Domestic violence charges can have significant consequences and repercussions for accused individuals who may be unable to return to their homes or may lose certain rights such as firearms rights. It is helpful for those facing domestic violence allegations and accusations to understand what the law considers domestic violence.
Domestic violence is commonly associated with physical violence but it is not limited to this type of abuse. Though domestic violence does include physical abuse, such as hitting, kicking, punching, slapping or pushing, among other forms of physical violence, it also includes:
- Sexual abuse – sexual abuse can refer to coerced sexual contact without consent and marital rape as well.
- Emotional abuse – emotional abuse can refer to abuse that diminishes self-worth or self-esteem.
- Economic abuse – economic abuse typically includes efforts aimed at creating financial reliance and control.
- Psychological abuse – psychological abuse refers to intimation and threats.
- Threats – threats to injure or otherwise harm may be considered domestic abuse.
- Stalking and cyberstalking – stalking, cyberstalking and other threatening behaviors can all be considered domestic abuse.
Domestic violence can impact anyone. This includes spouses, intimate partners and dating partners, family members, children and those cohabitating together.
Domestic abuse can impact many members of a family. For individuals accused of committing domestic violence, it can impact them in a multitude of different ways. For that reason, those who are facing domestic abuse allegations should be aware that criminal defense options are also available to help them and they should also understand what is considered domestic violence.