Domestic Violence Overview

Every year, countless women, men, and children become victims of domestic violence.  Domestic violence can occur between people who are dating, people who are married, parents and children, and siblings.  This form of abuse happens between people who are intimately involved and is usually kept secret or never discussed.  The silence surrounding domestic violence makes it extremely harmful, if not fatal, for the victims involved.  When victims believe they have no one to turn to, they are likely to let the violence escalate until it is out of control, or even life-threatening.

Victims of domestic violence may not believe that they can reach out for help, but they can.  There are numerous resources that are available to domestic abuse victims and their families.  The first step in escaping the cycle of violence is to start speaking about the abuse with a qualified professional, such as a family law attorney. 

At the Law Offices of H. William Edgar, we have helped a variety of clients with their domestic violence matters.  We are familiar with these types of cases and have extensive training in this area of law.  If you are a victim of domestic violence, and you want quality legal advice, contact our Law Offices today for your free case evaluation!

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is legally defined as abuse that occurs within an intimate relationship.  Domestic abuse is another term used to describe domestic violence cases.  Domestic violence usually involves physical abuse.  However, abuse can be emotional or financial.  In most cases, the abuser uses violence or verbal threats to get his/her way and maintain control over the victim, which can lead to much psychological damage.   Once the abuser has control over the victim, abuse is likely to continue, and may even escalate over time.  Victims of domestic violence rarely report the abuse, which just makes their situations worse, as they begin to feel hopeless and permit the violence to continue.

Domestic Violence Liability

After a person has been domestically abused, he/she will probably have sustained great physical, psychological, or emotional injuries.  These injuries are usually caused by the abusers negligent or reckless actions.  Because the abusers are responsible for causing injury to the victim, the victim may seek financial compensation from the abuser by filing a civil suit.  This concept is referred to as domestic violence liability, and it is an expanding area of law.  If the victim wins the civil suit against his/her abuser, he/she may be entitled to monetary damages for their physical injuries, medical bills, lost quality of life, and pain and suffering.

Types of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is not only physical.  It can also be emotional, psychological, or financial.  Every case of domestic violence varies, and may involve different types of harassing behaviors.  In the state of California, common domestic violence behaviors include stalking, threatening with firearms, and battered women’s syndrome. 

Stalking – in the state of California, stalking is a criminal act that is punishable by law.  Unfortunately, many domestic violence victims are subject to stalking or harassment by their abusers.  In cases where the victim is being stalked, it is always advisable that he/she seek help from law enforcement.  Law enforcement can keep a record of stalking incidents and also help the victim file a short-term or long-term restraining order.  Stalking is a very threatening behavior that should not be ignored; it should always be reported immediately. 

Firearms – sadly, many domestic abusers use firearms against their victims.  Abusers usually use firearms to threaten, manipulate, and control their victims.  Abusers may also use a firearm to coerce their victims into remaining silent.  When an abuse offender is charged with domestic violence, and it is found that he/she used a firearm, he/she may be subjected to enhanced charges and sentencing.  This is especially true in the state of California, where gun control laws are very strict.

Battered Women’s Syndrome – battered women’s syndrome is a psychological disorder that is found in women who are involved in abusive relationships.  Often times, women suffering from battered women’s syndrome believe that the abuse is their fault and that they deserve to be treated poorly by the abuser.  Women suffering from this mental condition are unlikely to report abuse as they believe it is justified.  By not reporting the abuse, these women only allow it to continue and become worse with time.  Without professional help, women suffering from battered women’s syndrome are unlikely to leave their abusive relationships.

Contact us about your legal matter today!