What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a general term that includes (but is not limited to) the crimes of domestic battery, violations of orders of protection, stalking, assault, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, aggravated battery of a child or an unborn child, and aggravated battery of a senior citizen. These crimes typically occur as a result of a spouse, family member, or dating partner’s attempt to control the behavior of someone through threats, physical or emotional abuse, harassment, and/or stalking.

Many people fail to identify themselves as victims due to the havoc that domestic violence charges can create in their personal life or workplace. It is not uncommon for both victims and abusers to rationalize their experiences as “arguments that got out of control”.

However, domestic violence is a crime that needs to be brought to the attention of law enforcement as it rarely stops on its own, and frequently becomes dangerous and possibly life-threatening. Help is available for victims, abusers, and their children. If you are a victim, or know someone who is, please call your local law enforcement.