Unfortunately, domestic violence is not uncommon in this country. Although the term domestic violence usually brings to mind the image of an abusive husband or boyfriend, this offense actually covers a broad range of criminal behavior. When a person subjects a parent or grandparent, child, cohabitant, or current or ex-partner to unlawful physical or emotional injuries, that person may be charged with domestic violence.
Domestic violence can involve physical abuse, such as when a parent strikes a child, and emotional abuse, such as when a husband forbids his wife to leave the house. Domestic violence – which may also be called domestic abuse, dating violence, and spousal abuse – occurs when one person in one of the aforementioned domestic relationships puts down, attempts to control, or physically harms the other.
Types of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence comes in many forms, and many victims experience multiple forms of abuse. Some of the most common types of domestic violence include:
- Child endangerment is one lesser-known type of domestic violence. This form of abuse occurs when a caretaker places a child in a high-risk situation.
- Elder abuse refers to the abuse or neglect of a person age 65 or older. In addition to physical and emotional abuse, this offense encompasses financial exploitation and abandonment.
- Domestic sexual abuse can take many forms, from forcing a spouse to engage in unsafe sex practices to incest and rape of a child.
- When an intimate partner, or a child caring for an elderly parent or grandparent controls the victim by withholding or stealing money, this type of financial abuse can be a form of domestic violence.
- Stalking involves repeatedly harassing and threatening a victim, showing up at his or her home or place of employment, leaving harassing voicemails, and repeatedly sending unwanted emails or texts. A MA stalking defense attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been charged with stalking or cyber-stalking.
- Teen intimate partner abuse occurs with shocking frequency; up to 12 percent of all teens in grades 7 through 12 have been victims of physical abuse by their teen partner, and about 20 percent have been victims of psychological abuse. Teen intimate partner abuse dramatically increases the victim’s risk of developing risky behaviors, such as practicing unsafe sex, using drugs, eating disorders, and suicide. Further, teen victims of domestic violence are more likely to become victims again as adults.
Studies show that domestic violence affects up to five percent of adult relationships in this country alone. About two million of those victims are women. In 2003, domestic violence was involved in approximately 1,300 deaths. And about 50 percent of all women who are murdered are domestic violence victims.
Depending on the severity of the charge and whether the defendant has a criminal record, domestic violence can be a misdemeanor or a felony offense. If the victim is a child, a felony charge is more likely. If you are charged with domestic violence you may have to pay hefty fines, perform community service, attend anger management programs, and submit to a restraining order. You may also see time behind bars. A Boston domestic violence defense attorney can help you determine how to protect your rights if you’ve been charged with domestic violence or any other crime.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Criminal Defense Law Firm
If you have been charged with domestic violence or another criminal offense, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of individuals charged with crimes for more than 50 years. It is our goal to keep you out of jail, and to keep your record clean. Don’t go through this difficult time alone, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.