Controversial actor Mel Gibson turned himself into the El Segundo police in California on Wednesday night. The actor was charged with battering his former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva with whom has a child. Gibson, 55 pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor battery charges in court on Fri. in a plea barging the troubled actor was given probation, community service and a year of domestic violence counseling. He was released shortly after being booked, the judge presiding over his case just wanted Gibson to get fingerprinted and photographed.
Oksana and Mel weren’t married before their split, since Oksana cannot get a settlement in divorce court she plans to file a civil suit to obtain damages for the abuse she suffered. The couple has a child together and Gibson will have to pay support for the child. Often in divorce cases that involve domestic violence, the abused spouse along with their divorce attorney can ask for dissolution of the marriage which is generally uncontested.
Domestic violence is a serious issue and roughly 10 percent of the population will be victimized by their spouse. Leaving a batterer can be problematic for some who don’t have the resources to support themselves. Retaining a divorce lawyer can be a great help for the abused spouse, who will direct them to sources that will help them leave a dangerous situation. Also, battered spouses along with their divorce attorneys can seek financial support from the abusive spouse which makes leaving the marriage easier.
