Domestic violence is a type of physical abuse; it generally occurs when violence is used in the relationships between individuals. It is also called domestic abuse, battering, family violence and spousal abuse. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects more than 32 million Americans. Abusers in these cases use many tactics, including dominance, isolation from friends and family, threats, blame, and humiliation. The types of abuse involved in cases of domestic violence include the following:
- Emotional Abuse: This can occur in either public or private, and can involve humiliation, control, or isolation of the victim. Actions takes that are meant to make the victim feel embarrassed or diminished, or blackmail of the victim through threats to harm other people if the victim wants to claim their independence. It is often referred to as either psychological or mental abuse.
- Verbal Abuse: This is a type of emotional abuse that uses language, and involves the threatening of the victim. Often times it in includes the use of expletives, although that it not a requirement for it to be considered abuse.
- Economic Abuse: This occurs when one of the partners has control over the access to the other partner’s economic resources and assets. Preventing the partner from accessing these resources, limiting their resources, or exploiting the resources constitutes abuse. These actions prevent the partner from being able to support his or herself.
- Sexual Abuse: This involves the use of forces or threats to get the partner to engage in unwanted sexual activity. Whether or not the person is the spouse or intimate partner, and regardless of whether there has been consensual sex in the past, it is still abuse if it against their will. One type of sexual abuse is the use of physical force to make a person take part in a sexual act against their will, regardless of whether the act is actually finished. Another is the attempt to complete or completion of sexual acts with a person who cannot comprehend was is happening, lacks the ability to decline, or cannot communicate unwillingness. This can be due to the influence of drugs or alcohol, being a minor, mental disability or illness.
In many states, the laws cover incidents of violence that occurs in a variety of relationships, such as:
- Married couples
- Abuse of elders by family members
- Abuse between roommates, dating couples, and those in lesbian and gay couples
Domestic abuse can also be referred to as spousal abuse, child abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV). This can include hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, throwing objects, or even threats of violence. It can have effects on the victims beyond the direct physical injuries, which can be severe and require medical attention. Victims can also suffer psychological effects, especially if he or she continues to live with the perpetrator. There can also be financial implications, as victims are not used to having economic control and may lack resources and skills to support themselves. In addition, children who witness these crimes can develop both emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety and social problems.
Speak with a Boston Domestic Violence Lawyer
To speak with a highly experienced Boston domestic violence lawyer, contact us online or telephone Francis T. O’Brien, Jr. at O’Brien Law Boston twenty four hours, seven days a week, toll free at 617-512-0939. There is no fee charged to discuss your case, and all information furnished will be kept strictly confidential.
The Parker | Scheer LLP Criminal Practice Group is led by Boston Criminal Lawyer Francis T. O’Brien Jr. who defends criminal cases in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. Criminal Courts served include Cambridge District Court, Cambridge, MA – Boston Municipal Court, Boston, MA – Brockton District Court, Brockton, MA – Framingham District Court, Framingham, MA – Waltham District Court, Waltham, MA.
Contact Boston Criminal Lawyer Francis T. O’Brien Jr. of Parker | Scheer LLP today at 617-512-0939.