At your hearing, tell the judge exactly what the abuser has done to physically hurt you or your children or what threats of bodily injury he made to you or your children.  You and your attorney need to tell the judge why you fear for your safety or the safety of your children.  Be direct and to the point-focus on the problems with your abuser.  Always remember to have your attorney ask for temporary custody of your children.  You can ask the judge to have the sheriff pick your children up from the abuser or his family if they are with him or his family.   

When you are on the witness stand, the judge will ask you why you think you and/or your children are in danger of domestic violence.  You will need to be as specific and clear as possible and stay focused on the issues related to your abuse.  At this time, you will want to present or have your attorney present any evidence you may have that will support your allegations of abuse.  For example, you would want to bring any torn or bloody clothes; photos of broken furniture or objects; photos of your physical injuries; medical records; police reports (you can subpoena, or legally require, the police officer to come in and explain his or her report); 911 tapes/transcripts; and records of work missed as a result of the abuse.  You also want to be sure to testify regarding what type of visitation arrangement you want for your children and the abuser.  Once you are finished, you or your attorney will ask any witnesses you have either requested to appear or subpoenaed to Court to tell what they know about the domestic violence committed against you and/or your children.  If the abuser has abused anyone else in the past, evidence of that abuse may be presented to show that your abuser's violence was not a mistake or accident, but rather part of a common scheme or plan.