Domestic violence or abuse is identified as a willful intent to harm another individual either physically or emotionally who is either a family member, romantic partner or anyone with which the aggressor has a close relationship. The laws define the victim in most cases as someone who may also share a home with the perpetrator such as a spouse, domestic partner, or child. If you have become the victim of abuse, you should contact a Domestic Abuse Attorney to represent you.
Investigating Domestic Violence
When law enforcement is called to a residential property, the officers must investigate the circumstances to determine the source of the altercation. They must discuss these events with all parties involved to determine who is at fault. In most cases, the officers will take the individual who seems at fault initially into custody. This doesn’t imply that the charges against the accused with will result in formal charges that lead to a trial.
After the full investigation of the allegations and domestic violence is discovered, the victim has several rights. They can press formal charges against their attacker, which will lead to criminal court and be tried by a jury. The victim could also request an order of protection against their attacker, which prohibits him or her from visiting identified areas. The order prohibits contact of any kind and outlines the penalties for violation of any term stipulated.
If the abuse is stopped through civil means such as an order of protection, further means are not initiated. However, if the perpetrator violates this order, he or she is taken into custody and will incur the penalties imposed by the state based on the crime that was committed.
Safe Houses and Women’s Shelters
In some cases, it is necessary to relocate the victim to a safe house or battered women’s shelter to keep her safe from her abuser. These measures are taken when the perpetrator has made an attempt to take the victim’s life or made death threats. When children are involved, they are also taken into protective custody and officers take measures to ensure their safety and that of the victim. If you are a victim of abuse at the hands of your spouse or romantic partner and need assistance, you should contact Zaloba Edward and hire a Domestic Abuse Attorney immediately.
