Location: California Someone I know is in a terrible situation. They are living with someone that is physically abusing them frequently and they signed a contract with them. I do not know all the details about the contract, but from what I have gathered after a year, it is some kind of financial agreement with some kind of NDA. Their abuser is allowed to live with them and the abused is not allowed to say anything about it at all or give any kind of personal information. This is reinforced by both the contract itself and fear. Until whatever kind of loan is paid off, they will never be out of this situation. The abuser is striking them so much that they are leaving bruises and causing even more money to be spent on injuries and property damages. There seems to be no end in sight because money that should be going to paying it off, has to go to recovery costs and other damages. The abused is rarely alone and the abuser keeps a very close eye on them. This loan was used to afford the house that they are currently living in.
Important points:
The contract also seemingly allows the abuser to control all of the abused finances.
This contract was mutually agreed on. The abused was not manipulated or threatened to sign it.
There is no sexual abuse. Only physical. But their life has most likely been threatened.
They do not have any kind of mental disability that I am aware of.
Assume the contract is air tight and the abuser hasn’t done anything to break the terms of the contract.
The abuser is either very well versed in the law or has a very good lawyer.
The most important question, has anything been done that definitely voids the contract or NDA without a doubt? I am sure that seeking advice from a professional themselves is what needs to happen, but if action cannot be taken immediately to protect them, then that will only make things so much worse for them. Is there anything in the legal system that will guarantee immediate protection? Other things I have thought of is just running away and living with someone else, or getting a type of bank loan or starting a fund raiser to finish the contract ASAP. Any advice is greatly appreciated.