How does one proof pain and suffering?

Question

If a husband abuses his wife. She leaves. He wants alimony. How does the wife put pain and suffering in financial terms?

Answer 1

I think it depends on how long it went on for, how much evidence you can show i.e. did you ever go to hospital or the doctors due to the violence, its all kept on record. Maybe you have a friend or a neighbour who heard or witnessed what went on (even then thats a bit of a grey area as its still 'YOUR' friend, however, their evidence wouldnt be dismissable in a court of law)

But, failing any evidence it is just your word against his and the clearer you can be about it the better - did you keep a diary - or some kind of record of dates and times and the goings on??

Not too sure about how much money you can place on this kind of thing, but the amount of time it went on for and the extent of the violence would need to be taken into consideration (i.e. broken bones, time spent in hospital, severity of bruises etc etc)and then it would still be down to your word against his if there is not enough evidence.