Any kind of violence which takes place within the boundaries of a home constitutes domestic violence. This form of violence can be against the partner, against children in the house or even against a pet. Domestic violence does not differentiate between men and women.
Types of Domestic Violence
Certain forms of domestic violence like raping a partner, physically hurting a partner or children and extremely abusive behavior toward the family are common forms of this violence. However, unknown to a lot of people, there are a number of other forms of abuse which are also classified as domestic violence. These include cruelty to children or animals, rigid sex roles and even mental and psychological behavior like hypersensitivity, jealousy, a dominating and controlling personality and isolating the partner. Of course, in order for these problems to hold in court as valid claims for domestic abuse, they have to show that the partner is neglecting the family and causing them harm in some way.
Domestic Violence in the United States
According to certain studies, 1/3rd to half of all American women have been in an abusive relationship at some point of time in their lives. In fact, this crime is so widespread that physical abuse to women in the country is more severe than injury caused to women by mugging, burglary and all the other physical crimes combined. Out of the total number of people who were surveyed, almost 60% of women and more than 66% of men admitted to being the target of some form of domestic abuse, including abuse by parents or guardians.
However grim a situation may be, there are always two sides to a coin. Similarly, there are two sides to a case when it comes to domestic violence. In some cases, a partner may file a claim that has no legal standing simply out of spite. And even though there are a number of violent acts which are not morally justified, both parties to a relationship will always be seen as equal in the eyes of the court until they have had an opportunity to present their side of the case. In a case of domestic violence, it is important that the person who claims that there is violence as well the accused both get very good attorneys because there are a number of legislations that are applicable to various forms of this violence. Only a good attorney can put together a strong case for his or her client.
