Tustin Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys

Types and Examples of Domestic Violence

Is it domestic violence? This question can impact the outcome of everyone in a home that is affected by alleged or actual domestic violence. This article aims to lay out common types of domestic violence and examples of what constitutes abuse.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence occurs between family members or partners and involves physical or psychological victimization or dominance. It takes on a variety of forms, frequencies, and severities. Both men and women can perpetrate domestic violence, and domestic violence can take place between same-sex and mixed-sex couples.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is physical violence, or violence done to the physical person of a victim. Examples of physical abuse include kicking, hitting, punching, beating, striking with an object, pushing, forcing a person into an enclosed space, and even extremely violent acts like ordering a dog to attack the victim or shooting or stabbing the victim.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is essentially inappropriate sexual contact and can range from rape to incest. Unwanted sexual advances or lewd comments, rape and coercion, forced sex acts, physical assault, exposure to unwelcome pornography, or forcing a child to engage in sex acts are all considered sexual abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse aims to diminish or dominate the victim through words or psychologically damaging actions. Threats of violence, stalking, harassment, constant negative criticism, name-calling, humiliation, or attempting to control the victim's actions, freedoms or environment can all constitute emotional abuse.

Child Abuse

Children can suffer from all of the above types of abuse, but it is important to note that forcing a child to witness domestic violence can be counted as endangerment of a child. Though emotional or physical abuse may not be aimed at the child or other family members, it can still have a dramatic psychological effect and create lifelong fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychological issues.

Both accused abusers and victims have rights under the law. If you've been accused of domestic violence, you deserve legal representation from a California domestic violence defense lawyer who is experienced, aggressive, and compassionate. Wallin & Klarich specializes in representing those accused of crimes and focuses on getting justice for each and every client. Every domestic violence case is different - contact the California domestic abuse defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich today for more information on your case and a free phone consultation.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing domestic violence charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-280-6806 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.