What are the scenarios that can constitute domestic violence?
Domestic violence is defined by California’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act, Cal. Family Code § 6200 et seq., to mean abuse committed against a spouse, a former spouse, a cohabitant, a former cohabitant, a person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship, a child of such persons, or any other person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree. “Abuse” in this sense could include:
- physical behavior (slapping, punching, pulling hair or shoving);
- sexual assaults or harassment (unwanted fondling or intercourse, sexual jokes, and insults);
- threats (threatening to hit, harm or use a weapon);
- psychological abuse or harassment (attacks on self-esteem, attempts to control or limit another person's behavior, repeated insults or interrogation);
- vandalism (causing damage to the car or other property of the victim);
- stalking (following a person, appearing at a person's home or workplace, making repeated phone calls or leaving written messages); or
- cyber-stalking (repeated online action or email that causes substantial emotional distress).
Furthermore, domestic violence involving bodily injury or the threat of bodily injury can result in criminal charges. A domestic violence conviction has severe consequences that may affect immigration or child custody and visitation proceedings. Domestic violence victims can seek protective orders to stop the abuse.
Whether you are charged with or have been the victim of domestic violence, you need an experienced family law lawyer. Find out how we can help resolve the domestic violence issues in your family by contacting the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C.
