Domestic violence is a concern for families and communities. Domestic violence is the leading health concern in the United States. Domestic violence allegations and charges can have a significant impact on the life of the party accused. Family violence can impact everyone in the family and domestic violence charges can have a significant impact on the personal and professional lives of the individual accused of domestic violence. It can impact the ability of the accused individual to remain in the family home and they may also face legal consequences.
As a result, it can be helpful for individuals who have been accused of family violence to be familiar with what is considered domestic violence. While domestic violence is commonly thought of as physical violence, it also includes other types of behaviors as well. Domestic violence also refers to sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, psychological abuse, threats, harassment, stalking and cyberstalking.
Domestic violence can occur between people in different relationships including spouses; sexual, dating or intimate partner relationships; among family members; children; and cohabitants. Individuals accused of any crime, regardless of the circumstances, have the right to defend against the charges they are facing. A criminal defense response is based on the circumstances of the situation and the criminal defense protections all accused individuals have.
Family violence impacts everyone involved and has an impact on individuals, families and communities. As a result, it is important for all parties impacted by family violence to be familiar with the resources and protections available to them.
Source: Family.findlaw.com, “What is Domestic Violence?” Accessed Sept. 21, 2017
