Domestic violence is a significant setback to relationships. It’s a break of the law that can warrant your arrest if found guilty. It involves behavioral patterns that result in violence or abusive actions. Acts such as repeated threats, intimidation, power to dominate the other partner, sexual abuse, or rape are also considered domestic violence.   

This kind of abuse isn’t only applicable in intimate relationships. It cuts across all forms of relations. For instance, it may be abusive behavior towards a parent, child, or relative. Here are three crucial things to know about domestic violence laws: 

• It’s A Serious Crime

Domestic violence is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences. Probing into the matter allows the victim of the crime to get help appropriately. Domestic violence accusations require intensive probing, but the investigation shouldn’t violate your legal rights.  

If you’re accused of domestic violence, you should enlist the assistance of a criminal defense attorney to prove your innocence. The lawyer should be qualified to represent you in court and be able to formulate a proactive defense strategy to prove your innocence.  

On that note, scout for attorneys with years of experience in domestic matters before hiring them. Here are a few tips to use when looking for an attorney: 

• Ask for recommendations from friends and family
• Ask for references and verify previous clients’ success history
• Check their qualifications with your local bar association
• Inquire about their attorney fees
• Check their availability and response time

Hiring a qualified attorney increases the chances of winning your case. Therefore, ensure you conduct some background checks before hiring one. 

• Signs Of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence typically involves actions that cause physical injuries to the victim. But psychological and emotional abuse by a spouse or family member may also qualify as domestic violence. An abuser may show uncontrolled temper and rage, jealousy, and coercive controlling traits.

The abused regularly receives verbal abuse, criticism, and blame. The victim may also worry about being stalked or monitored by the perpetrator. The following are possible indicators of abuse in a relationship: 

• Destruction of property 
• Injuries, such as cuts or markings on the victim’s body parts
• Financial deprivation  
• Isolation 
• Living in fear

Anyone may be accused of domestic violence if they behave toward their partner in any way that suggests physical or psychological abuse.

• Types Of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can take several forms and may happen to anyone. Below is a brief explanation of the types of domestic abuse:

• Physical abuse: It involves assault or violent acts of hitting, slapping, choking, stabbing, or shooting. It’s the most noticeable form of domestic violence due to physical injury and bruising.  
• Psychological abuse: The perpetrator causes psychological harm to the victim through insults, threats, and harassment. The superior partner can guilt trip the other into feeling intimidated and less worthy. Abused individuals may live in fear and worry about what could happen to them if they speak up. It can also go to extremes wherein the victim asks the abuser’s permission just to talk to others. 
• Emotional abuse: This form of abuse capitalizes on exploiting others’ vulnerabilities. It includes constant criticism, name-calling, bullying, brainwashing, and manipulation. Emotional violence can take a toll on the victim’s physical and mental health. The abused may show symptoms like chronic pain, insomnia, eating disorders, and anxiety. 
• Sexual abuse: Sexual assault (rape) and unwanted touching or sexual harassment are considered abuse. In some states, sexual abuse is broad such that if your partner forces you to have sex without protection or stops you from taking the pill, you can accuse them of domestic violence. 
• Financial abuse: Withholding financial support or preventing a spouse from getting a job is a form of domestic abuse. In most cases, the abused partner or spouse completely depends on the other partner for money.

Some forms of abuse, like emotional and psychological, must be constant to qualify as acts of domestic violence. Your attorney can help you gauge the accusation’s validity based on the domestic violence laws in your state. 

Conclusion

Domestic violence can have devastating impacts on the victims. But you may also face jail time if wrongly convicted of abuse. Other penalties for domestic violence include community service, steep fines, or a no-contact order. The plaintiff’s legal counsel has several options for handling a domestic violence complaint, such as legal processions and restraining orders. It’s best to hire the best attorney to represent you in court. Doing so helps increase your chances of proving your innocence and maintaining your freedom. 

Authors Bio

Ammal Wenner is a paralegal with over ten years of experience. He likes to create content and share law-related information on his blogs. During his free time, he enjoys reading and hiking with his dogs.