These days, accusations of abuse and assault flung between partners, roommates or even just friends may have the potential to threaten the accused in huge ways.
Thus, understanding as much about domestic violence law as possible is crucial for anyone facing related charges.
Defining domestic violence
The American Psychological Association discusses domestic violence as defined by the law, and the related concept of false allegations. By definition, acts of physical, economic, psychological, sexual or emotional attack on a person with the intent of controlling their actions through abuse counts.
Economic abuse was previously lesser known but has grown in the awareness of the public in recent years. This typically involves a takeover of someone’s economic life, in which a person claims the alleged abuser blocked them from any source of income or having any control over their finances.
False allegations, as described in this abstract, discusses the under-recognized impact of one spouse lying about another’s behavior or actions especially in divorce or custody cases.
Accusations of psychological abuse
When accusing someone of psychological abuse, a person will usually focus on potential actions that might look like manipulation, or accuse the alleged abuser of insulting or gaslighting them.
Any allegation of abuse, whatever the possible form, will usually get taken seriously in a court of law. People tend to err on the side of the accuser. The penalties for domestic violence and abuse can vary greatly, but almost all have the potential to devastate the life of the individual accused of abuse.
Due to these combined factors, it is important for anyone facing abuse allegations to take swift action to protect his or herself.
