Is domestic violence just physical abuse?

Allegations of violence in the home, between intimate partners or even against family members are very serious. Domestic violence charges can alter the course of a person’s future. While mounting a strong defense is essential for minimizing the criminal and personal impacts, California defendants may struggle to do so if they do not fully understand their charges.

The Justice Office on Violence against women defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship. That behavior is usually wielded by only one person as a method to maintain or gain control over the other person. Domestic violence can occur between spouses, children, cohabitants, family members and partners who are dating, intimate or in a sexual relationship.

While physical violence is perhaps the most well-known form of domestic violence, it is not the only type of action that falls into this category. For example, emotional or psychological abuse are also considered forms of domestic violence. Even making threats to injure or hurt someone is a form of abuse. Economic abuse is another form, and it involves one partner making another completely reliant on him or her for financial resources.

A domestic violence conviction can lead to jail time, but a person may also experience consequences in his or her personal life. A conviction may prevent a person from pursuing certain career options. This can limit his or her economic and financial potential in California. In order to minimize these types of consequences, a defendant may want to consider whether speaking with an experienced attorney could help his or her situation.