Being accused of domestic violence can have a significant impact on an accused individual’s life. Domestic violence charges can restrict the ability of the accused individual to be in their own home or with certain members of their family. Domestic violence charges can also lead to other potential penalties and consequences as well.
Because of the unquestionably serious nature of domestic violence for anyone impacted by it, it is helpful to be familiar with what is considered domestic violence under the law. It is also important to be familiar with the legal protections available to those faced with domestic violence charges.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence includes a range of behaviors that can cause harm such as:
- Physical abuse – physical abuse includes various forms of physical harm such as hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, biting, shoving and battering.
- Emotional abuse – emotional abuse includes abuse that targets the self-esteem or self-worth.
- Psychological abuse – psychological abuse includes the use of fear, threats and intimidation.
- Sexual abuse – sexual abuse includes coerced sexual contact without consent.
- Financial abuse – financial abuse includes financial control that creates, or is intended to create, dependence.
- Stalking – stalking behaviors can be considered domestic violence and include cyberstalking.
Domestic violence typically refers to repetitive physical or psychological abuse or both. Domestic violence allegations and charges can have a significant impact on the accused individuals’ personal and professional life. For that reason, legal protections are available to anyone impacted by domestic abuse, including those accused of it, which is why it is helpful to be familiar with those legal protections when facing domestic violence charges.
