Domestic violence is something that hits close to home in a literal sense. When you learn that you are being accused of domestic violence, it can often feel like your world is crashing down around you. In some cases, you will be forbidden from seeing the people you love. If criminal charges are filed, that adds another level of difficulty to the situation.
It is important that anyone involved in a relationship understand some basic points about domestic violence. Not all domestic violence is physical. In fact, there are four forms of domestic violence: physical, emotional, economic and sexual. Each covers a different set of actions, but some forms of domestic violence can include more than one of these forms.
Physical abuse is the type of domestic violence most people think of. This occurs when a person is hit, slapped, bitten, shoved, punched, battered or otherwise injured.
Emotional abuse occurs when the victim is subjected to actions that decrease his or her self-esteem. In some cases, the person might feel invalidated or worthless.
Economic abuse occurs when the victim becomes financially reliant on his or her alleged abuser. The victim must not have willingly agreed to be reliant on the other person in order for it to be considered economic abuse.
Sexual abuse happens when unwanted sexual contact occurs. This can mean that one person forces or coerces the victim into having a sexual encounter.
Domestic violence charges are very serious charges. If you have been accused of any form of domestic violence, you should start working on your defense as soon as possible.
Source: FindLaw, “Domestic Violence,” accessed June 26, 2015