Domestic Violence
In America, the courts treat domestic violence very seriously. Domestic violence is abusive behavior and tactics one individual uses in order to maintain power and control over his or her spouse or significant other. Exact tactics vary among abusers; however, victims are subjected to and endure verbal, physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse.
How often and how severe domestic violence is varies. Domestic violence often worsens as time passes. Abusers may show possessive behavior; control many aspects of their victims’ lives, such as money, dress, and independent decision-making; force their victims to engage in nonconsensual sexual intercourse with them; force their victims to use alcohol or drugs; and/or stop their victims from going to work or school. Abusers also may be jealous of their victims spending time with relatives and friends; demand that their victims stop spending time with relatives and friends; claim that their victims are cheating on them; tell their victims they always do things wrong; and/or threaten to harm or kill them, their kids, or their pets. Abusers’ actions can lead to physical injury, psychological trauma, emotional trauma, and death. Furthermore, domestic violence and its consequences may last a lifetime; nevertheless, the consequences of domestic violence do not necessarily end when the victims escape, break up with their abusers, or reach out for help.
Reporting domestic violence is relatively easy, but taking the first step in filing a domestic violence report is not easy. The victims must complete legal forms and provide information: What exactly happened? Was there violence, or were there threats of violence? Where did the abusive behavior take place? Why do they need protection from their alleged abusers?
Filings are made in court, and judges examine the documents and facts and may grant the victims temporary protection orders without first notifying the abusers. The sheriff or police give the defendants copies of the filings and orders with hearing dates. Then, hearings occur. If the judges determine that the defendants are indeed guilty of domestic violence, the judges grant the victims protection orders forbidding the defendants from contacting the victims for a period of time.
There often are legitimate reports of domestic violence. Nevertheless, a few people misuse the process in order to gain an advantage in custody disputes or domestic trials. Fortunately, those are the exceptions, not the general rule. Still, there may be defenses if a person is accused of domestic violence.
Being verbally, physically, psychologically, sexually, or emotionally abused is a scary and traumatizing experience. But know this: You are not alone. Both victims and abusers have rights and legal remedies. For more information, contact Nashville Attorney Perry A. Craft.
Perry A. Craft has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has tried, settled, or resolved numerous civil and criminal cases in State and Federal courts, and has represented teachers and administrators before school boards, administrative judges, and the state Board of Education. Learn more about Attorney Craft.