Domestic violence is the intentional pressure, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control executed by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. Violence has many causes including exposure to violent media, violence in the home or neighborhood, frustration, and a tendency to see other people’s actions as hostile even when they are not.
When the general public thinks about domestic violence, they usually think in terms of physical assault that results in visible injuries to the victim, which has been increasingly recognized as a serious crime in the United States. Understanding the definition of domestic violence in Virginia can help you take action against it. Safety precautions must be taken if it is occurring to you or someone you love. In most states, these behaviors are also against the law.
Violence is a major public health problem worldwide. Each year, millions of people die as the result of injuries due to violence. Many more survive their injuries but live with a permanent disability. Violence is among the leading causes of death among people aged 15–44 years worldwide, accounting for 14% of deaths among males and 7% of deaths among females.
Each domestic violence situation in Virginia is different. Yet, all abusers use similar ways to get what they want and keep power and control. Batterers can be charming, sweet, and apologetic for one minute and abusive the next. The abused partner can be confused and kept off balance by these changes in the batterer’s behavior.
When looking at domestic violence in Virginia, it is important to consider the language of § 16.1-228, which states that family abuse is any act involving violence, force or threat toward another member of the family that leads directly to injury or reasonable apprehension of injury.
Any person who commits domestic assault and battery or family abuse shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Three or more convictions in a 10-year period elevate the crime to a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
A domestic assault conviction in Virginia carries additional consequences. Individuals convicted of a domestic assault are prohibited by federal law from owning firearms. Clearly, individuals in law enforcement, security, or military will have serious issues if convicted of domestic assault.
A history of emotional or physical abuse often alters the outcome of a custody case and can lead to the modification of a previous child custody order. In families where there is a history of chronic domestic violence, the abusive parent may have limits placed on his or her visitation, and in the most extreme circumstances, may lose his or her parental rights completely.
If you need the help of a domestic violence lawyer in Virginia in Fairfax, City of Fairfax, Prince William (Manassas), Fauquier (Warrenton), Loudoun (Leesburg), Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania (Fredericksburg), Chesterfield, Henrico, Arlington, Richmond, Alexandria, Warren (Front Royal), Clarke, Shenandoah, King George, Charles City, Frederick (Winchester), Fredericksburg, Gloucester, Hanover, Hopewell, James City, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News, Petersburg, Prince George, Rappahannock, York, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options.
If you wish to consult an SRIS Law Group, P.C. domestic violence attorney in Virginia, call us at 855-696-3348.
