5 Things You Need To Know About Domestic Abuse
Sadly, the state of Florida sees a high incidence of domestic violence. This form of abuse manifests in various ways and its effects extend beyond the individual committing the act and the direct victim. It also has a profound effect on children and family members, with the lasting aftermath of such abuse potentially harming people’s futures.
Florida takes domestic abuse allegations seriously and will aggressively pursue violators. You should contact an Orlando Domestic Violence Attorney immediately if you have been a victim or if you are accused of the crime of domestic violence.
Domestic Abuse Can Occur Even Without Physical Violence
Florida law provides that domestic violence is not limited to physical violence. Florida Statute § 741.28 defines domestic volences as “any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.”
Thus, one does not need to be physically attacked to be a domestic abuse victim. Those who are being harassed, stalked, raped, or kidnapped are also victims under Florida law.
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Just Happen Between Spouses
While many people picture a married couple when they hear about domestic violence, it can happen to anyone in an intimate or family relationship.
Florida domestic violence law provides that abuse can occur between a “family or household member.” This relationship can be a spouse but can also include: a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or other relatives (i.e., cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew.) Domestic violence can also occur between intimate partners who live together but are not legally married. Additionally, abuse can occur between those who never married or lived together but have a child together.
In conclusion, the Florida domestic violence statute includes a range of family and household relationships. If you have been a victim of domestic violence in Florida, your next step is to act to protect your well-being. An Orlando domestic violence attorney can help walk you through the process to help you restore your safety.
Men Can Also Be Victims of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence knows no gender. Although statistically, women still report higher levels of domestic violence, men can be victims as well. The idea that men are always the perpetrators of domestic violence is an old-fashioned notion and simply not true. In the past, there was a shame or stigma associated with a man having to admit to being a sexual or domestic abuse victim. Luckily, this is not the case anymore as our society now understands that violence can occur to anyone. Now, more men are coming forward and speaking out about their sexual and domestic abuse.
Additionally, domestic abuse is not limited to straight couples. Reports of same-sex partner abuse are on the rise as of 2024. In fact, recent studies find that violence in same-sex partnerships could even be potentially higher than in straight relationships.
Victims of Abuse Can Find Protection
Although going through an abusive situation is emotionally and physically agonizing, one must find hope that they can get protection. Any Florida law enforcement officer who responds to a domestic dispute and finds credible evidence of abuse is required to arrest the perpetrator. You can also file a Petition for Injunction for Protection against Domestic Violence. If the domestic violence judge grants the injunction, your abuser will be legally required to stay away from you. According to the advice of an Orlando domestic violence attorney, it is also smart to keep documentation, such as pictures of injuries or doctor’s reports, as proof of any abuse.
The world today is gradually understanding more about domestic violence. If you have been a victim of abuse, please realize there is no shame and that it is not your fault.
You Must Take a Florida Domestic Violence Charge Seriously
If you are in Orlando and have been falsely accused of the crime of domestic abuse, you will need to defend yourself. At the time of your arrest, you will probably receive a no contact/ no return order, which will ban you from having contact with the alleged victim. This can complicate your life if you live with and have a family with that person. Essentially your life could be turned upside down in a moment. If the case goes forward and is prosecuted, you will have to prepare a solid legal defense as the punishments if found guilty could include jail time. An experienced and knowledgeable Orlando domestic violence attorney can help by negotiating a deal or defending you in a domestic violence charge.
