Domestic violence is a challenging concept to define because many alleged actions are included under its broad categorization. In Florida, domestic violence can be physical or emotional, may involve sexual abuse or can even include threats to a victim’s financial health.
Domestic violence does not have to happen face-to-face. Because threats and harassments can be made from great distances, domestic violence can be committed through digital communications as well as in-person interactions.
Domestic violence generally occurs between members of households. It can place families at odds and can create legal divides between individuals who have committed themselves to each other through marriage.
Accusations of domestic violence carry with them very serious consequences. Domestic violence matters can be handled in civil and criminal courts with criminal penalties for conviction including significant fines and periods of incarceration. Civil domestic violence cases can impact individuals’ rights to live with their loved ones, have custody of their children and other important legal opportunities.
When domestic violence occurs victims should understand that they have rights to seek protection from the individuals that they believe intend to cause them harm. However, individuals who face accusations of committing domestic violence should also know that they do not have to accept their charges without a fight.
Like all other legal matters, there are two sides to accusations of domestic violence. It is up to the courts to determine the most appropriate way to handle them under the law and to give the parties the most just outcome that their case allows. The parties may help themselves through their legal proceedings by working with lawyers who practice domestic violence law.
