Introduction
Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense. It is essential to know the different types of domestic violence, how they might be charged, and the possible penalties.
In such cases, it is essential that you consider hiring a domestic violence lawyer to help you deal with the intricacies of the law. A specialized lawyer will have expertise in the field and will enable you to figure out the way out of the case.
Assault and battery
A common misconception about domestic violence is that it always involves an intimate partner. People can be abused by family members and close friends—even if they’re not engaged in a romantic relationship.
Domestic violence can occur when someone attempts to cause physical harm to another person. The crime of assault occurs when someone tries to hurt or kill another person through physical action; battery occurs when someone causes bodily harm through physical contact.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse can be a crime that involves someone forcing another person to engage in sexual contact or sexual penetration without the other person’s consent.
What does “sexual contact” mean? Well, it could include touching the other person’s body in a sexual way, such as through fondling or kissing.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is domestic violence that causes the victim to suffer mental or emotional harm. The abuser may try to control the victim’s behavior through intimidation, guilt, coercion, and manipulation. Some examples of emotional abuse include:
- Verbally abusing you or calling you names
- Withholding information and support from you
- Isolating you from family and friends
- Using children as pawns
Child abuse
Child abuse is the most common form of domestic violence. It can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. If you suspect a child is being abused at home or witness it yourself, it’s important to report this information to the police immediately.
Child abuse is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences on the lives of children who have been victims.
Role of a domestic violence lawyer
You may need an attorney dealing with a domestic violence case. Your local court will assign one if you don’t have one. However, it’s essential to understand that the lawyer assigned by the court is not always going to be the best choice for your case.
A Domestic violence lawyer is an expert in family law, meaning they can help people obtain restraining orders against their abusers and custody of children from abusive parents (if applicable). They also know how to file for divorce when someone is being abused by their spouse and wants to come out of the relationship, whether it’s because they feel unsafe or simply because they don’t want any more contact with their abuser after leaving them behind for good.
If there are children involved, these issues become even trickier. Make sure this becomes part of your discussion with any potential attorneys before deciding who gets chosen ahead of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand how different domestic violence cases can affect your case. It is also important to remember that if you are in an abusive relationship, help is available for you and your children.