Domestic violence and the injuries sustained from physical and emotional abuse
Every year millions of women are victimized by domestic violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women has experienced domestic violence, including sexual, emotional, physical, and verbal violence within a social setting where the power over the victim is publicly displayed. Stalking is also a common form of domestic violence.
Recently, domestic violence is also called “intimate partner violence.” No matter what the behavior is called, it is grounded in the aggressor’s need to impose and leverage power and control over the former or current partner.
Domestic abuse victims are not limited to race, age, religion, or gender. There is a growing number of partner abuse cases, even among teens.
Battered Woman Syndrom – Victims Refusal To Testify
Prosecutors often face the dilemma of what is termed as the “battered woman” syndrome—a condition in which the victim refuses to testify against the partner out of fear of retribution. Criminal Defense lawyers have used the victim’s fear as a way of gaining leverage in the negotiation of a favorable plea deal.
Criminal Punishment For Domestic Violence Offense
The penalty for domestic violence varies widely by state. In California, for example, if the accused is convicted of domestic battery, the offender can receive up to 364 days in county jail, probation, a fine, and often, the issuance of a protective order.
