The issue of domestic violence has been one on the tips of many tongues in recent months. Media coverage of the problem is at an all-time high, and we’re seeing commercials that speak to the dangers and reality that accompanies domestic violence. Suffice it to say, but there are few crimes that are as demonstrative as this one, and while the charges faced may not be large, there is an increasingly severe social stigma that goes along with it. For some, the definition of domestic violence is rather cut and dry, while the reality of it goes far deeper.
Violence of Many Levels
There is the base definition of violence that many are aware of, and then there are other levels that go unnoticed or aren’t traditionally thought of when one hears domestic violence.
- Violence
- Repeat Violence
- Sexual Violence
- Dating Violence
Violence at its core is considered assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other criminal offense that may result in physical injury or death of one person by another. These also include aggravated levels of the same crimes.
Repeat violence is when there are two or more incidents of violence or stalking committed within six months of one another. This is a severe charge, as there are traditionally orders placed after the first incident that would have to be broken, and that alone increases the penalty substantially.
Sexual violence is considered a forcible felony wherein a sexual act is committed or attempted, whether on an adult or a child. In the case of sexual battery of a child, there are much higher penalties, as would be expected, but they ultimately fall under the same definition of sexual violence.
The last kind of violence is considered dating violence. When two individuals have or had been in a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate relationship, they can be considered for dating violence should it have occurred. The relationship must have been within the last six months, and the nature of the relationship must have had the expectation of affection or sexual involvement. There must also be a continuous basis of involvement during the course of the relationship.
Defense to Violence
In any one of these instances of violence, there is only one recourse when it comes to defense. Self-defense can be very powerful when pulling you out of hot water, and in the case of domestic violence of any kind, there is little else one can do against certain levels of evidence. If there was a point at which you felt threatened, and the only action to take was one that resulted in physical harm of any kind, then there is a chance that your charges can be reduced or your case completely thrown out. This is obviously in your best interest, as a charge of domestic violence does not get removed from your personal record, and cannot be at any point.
Ultimately, we want to prevent you from having any sort of blemish on your record, so we fight to ensure that it doesn’t happen. Contact an experienced domestic violence attorney to get help with your case today. Don’t wait until it’s too late, because the issue is time sensitive, and there’s too much at stake to wait around to determine your options. Domestic violence is no joke, especially in today’s landscape, so don’t let your charges determine your future.
