National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: What Is Domestic Violence?

As we enter October, it’s important to recognize that this month is dedicated to National Domestic Violence Awareness. Domestic violence affects millions of people from all walks of life, and it’s more prevalent than many realize. At JWB Family Law, we are committed to raising awareness, educating the public, and helping those impacted by domestic violence—whether you are a victim or have been falsely accused. Every Tuesday in October, we will explore a different aspect of domestic violence to provide clarity, support, and guidance to anyone affected by these issues.

Domestic violence is particularly important to understand if you’re going through a divorce or dealing with child custody matters, as these situations can become significantly more complicated when domestic violence allegations are involved. Let’s discuss what domestic violence is, the forms it can take, and what you should know about protecting yourself or navigating false accusations.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence isn’t just about physical abuse. While physically hitting, shoving, or harming someone is a clear form of domestic violence, it encompasses much more than that. Domestic violence can be:

• Verbal Abuse: This includes arguing, screaming, yelling, or using threatening language that intimidates or emotionally harms another person.
• Physical Abuse: This involves any form of physical violence, such as hitting, punching, slapping, or pushing.
• Financial Abuse: This occurs when one partner controls all financial resources, preventing the other from having access to funds. It’s a way to manipulate or dominate someone’s freedom and decisions.
• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: This can be harder to spot but just as damaging. It involves behaviors that manipulate, belittle, or mentally harm a partner, often leaving them feeling powerless or incapable of making decisions.
• Technological Abuse: Taking someone’s phone or restricting their access to communication can prevent them from seeking help, making it a serious form of control.

Domestic violence can range from a heated argument to dangerously violent behavior. When domestic violence involves severe harm or life-threatening actions, it may also be classified as criminal domestic violence, which carries legal consequences in both family and criminal courts.

The Prevalence of Domestic Violence

It’s important to understand that domestic violence is pervasive and doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, income, or social status. At one point, over 40% of calls made to the San Diego Police Department were related to domestic violence. This staggering statistic highlights how common these issues are, yet they often remain hidden behind closed doors. You may not realize it, but someone you know—whether a friend, family member, or colleague—could be in a domestic violence situation and may need assistance.

Domestic Violence and Family Law

If you’re going through a divorce or dealing with child custody issues, domestic violence allegations can greatly impact the legal process. Victims of domestic violence often need to seek protective orders or restraining orders to safeguard themselves and their children. On the other hand, if you’ve been falsely accused, it’s crucial to defend your rights and protect your reputation, as false allegations can harm your case and your relationship with your children.

At JWB Family Law, we specialize in navigating these complex legal matters. Whether you’re a victim of domestic violence or facing false accusations, we provide legal expertise and compassionate support to help you through these difficult times.

How JWB Family Law Help

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence—whether as a victim or someone facing accusations—don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our team at JWB Family Law is experienced in handling domestic violence cases, and the challenges they bring to family law matters, including divorce and child custody.

You can schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation, ask questions, and get professional advice on the next steps. Call us at (619) 234-6123 or visit our website at JWB Family Law for more information.

For more insights on this topic, you can also watch our informative video here.