It’s no surprise that domestic violence is on the rise, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. Thanks to social media, awareness and the search for solutions are also on the rise.
What is Domestic Violence?
You may wonder about the differences between assault, battery, and domestic violence. There is some overlap, and the laws vary slightly from state to state. Basically, assault refers to the imminent threat of force. Battery involves unwanted physical contact. Simple assault and simple battery are less severe than charges of aggravated assault or aggravated battery. Domestic violence may encompass assault and battery when committed against a family member, intimate partner, or housemate. The penalties vary, so having a lawyer is essential. Although men are statistically more likely to commit domestic violence, a sizable minority of women are guilty as well. Having access to a gun increases the likelihood of a homicide by approximately 500%.
What Drives People to Domestic Violence
The profile of individuals who are violent toward their partners often includes:
- Low self-esteem
- Inadequate support system
- Lack of education results in poor problem-solving skills
- Impulsivity and poor behavioral control
- Quick arousal to anger and the tendency to bear a grudge
- History of alcohol and drug abuse
- History of abuse or violence in the home during childhood
The COVID epidemic has itself been stressful, but other threats such as enforced confinement from lockdowns, income loss, food poverty, the fear of homelessness, sudden changes in family dynamics, and uncertainty about the future have had the effect of pouring gasoline on the fire. Remember that your partner’s behavior is neither your responsibility nor your fault.
What to Do When You’re Affected by Domestic Violence
Understanding more about the behavior is the first step. As you know, it cycles from calm spells to unpredictable hair-trigger events characterized by rage and accusations. Your partner is emotionally unstable. The behaviors have been fermenting for years and the past cannot be undone. Your partner may be temporarily truly remorseful following an episode and will often try to atone by surrounding you with extra attentiveness, kindness, flattery, gifts, and other expressions of love. When you’re aware of triggers, you can prepare for the next inevitable episode. Violence is a behavior pattern, not a chance occurrence.
It’s crucial that you hire a California domestic violence lawyer. Courts operate on a system based on legal precedents as well as loopholes in the law, so the course of justice is complex. If convicted, your abuser has a lot to lose, so you can expect a hard fight to discredit you. Your abuser will likely hire an attorney specializing in defending people charged with domestic violence, so you’ll need your own seasoned lawyer who is knowledgeable about California law, familiar with the politics of California courts, and committed to seeing justice done for you.
You need to document details of every violent event that occurs. Inform your neighbors about the situation and request that they call the police when they hear an escalating fight in your home. During the event, don’t scream, sob, hurl insults, or make accusations because high emotion only fuels the aggression. Quietly make plans to leave without flaunting your plans because fear of losing a partner often motivates the abuser to take fatal action. Pack an emergency bag containing extra keys, cash, and a spare cell phone with its charger. Keep your everyday cell handy and charged. Be sure your vehicle’s gas tank is full and the keys are readily available. Establish a separate bank account. Arrange child and pet care options. These tough actions may save your life.
Final Thoughts
Don’t ignore the situation and don’t just hope it will go away. Domestic violence is a potentially lethal situation not to be taken lightly. Many resources are provided by organizations such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Consider your actions as a type of emergency preparedness, and definitely waste no time hiring a lawyer specializing in domestic violence cases.
