How Can You Protect Yourself from Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is one of the worst acts conducted by a human. And sadly, this act has increased in 2020. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, every person was obliged to stay inside their home.
While few people were exploring themselves and working hard to improve their lives, some people unleashed the beast hidden inside them by abusing their partner.
If we talk about the statistics, there was a 20% rise in cases of domestic violence worldwide during the lockdown. However, we can’t blame the rise of domestic abuse on the pandemic. As even before this, the statistics were not showing great numbers.
Let us prove our point to you with some shocking data.
- In the United States, nearly 20 people get physically abused every minute by their partner.
- Around 19% of the domestic violence cases involve the use of a weapon.
- The women of the age group 18 to 24 face violence the most.
- 1 in 7 men and 1 in 4 women get physically abused (includes beating, burning, death threats, sexual violence, and many more) by their partner.
- According to the report of NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence), there are over 100,000 being reported annually in Florida.
The data that we have shown you is only a glimpse. Nevertheless, we can’t ignore that it is a serious crime, and no one deserves to be a victim. If you are a victim, then it is time for you to take the help of state laws and protect yourself.
We understand that it is a big step for you to take, but we are here to help you as every culprit needs to be punished by the law. Keep on reading the article to learn more.
What is domestic violence?
Let’s start with the basics. To fight against domestic violence, you need to understand domestic violence according to Florida laws.
As defined by the law, ‘If any person attempts to threaten or harm you sexually, physically, or mentally, such acts come under the offense of domestic violence.’ Not only this, if your family or household member tries to kidnap you, or restricts you (false imprisonment), s/he is also found guilty for domestic abuse.
You must have noticed that the definition mentions’ family or household member’. Perhaps you must be thinking about ‘spouse’ as a family member. However, there is a broader perception of it. According to law, a family member involved in domestic abuse includes:
- Spouse or former spouse
- Persons related by blood (father, mother, sibling, etc.,)
- Any person who is currently residing in the house
- Parent of your child (it doesn’t matter if you are married or not)
This makes it clear that Florida’s domestic violence laws are drafted to protect every person who is becoming the victim of violence in a family.
But, what if you faced the abuse for the first time? Can you still file a case against it? The answer to this question is that- ‘You can’t justify violence. If it has happened once, then it can happen again as well’. Moreover, the professional lawyer at FighterLaw.com confirms that you can file a case against the abuser even if it was a single instance.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to know what form of abuse is included in the domestic violence law. To be more specific, both physical and non-physical violence are part of domestic abuse. It includes:
- Threats,
- Verbal abuse
- Stalking
- Sexual assault
- Battery and aggravated battery
- Excessive phone calls and
- Kidnapping
If you have faced any of these abuses in Florida, you should consult with the lawyer and file a complaint against it.
Legal aid for the victim of violence
Now that you have understood what domestic violence is and what it includes, it is time to talk about the law’s help to the victims. First of all, if you encounter any violent situation, you should call 911 right away.
The Florida state court system has strict laws against violence. The offender/abuser has to serve a minimum of 5 days of imprisonment in county jail or a more extended period (up to 15 years) in Florida state prison. Besides, the laws can also order for community service or attending counseling sessions for a maximum of 6 months.
Moreover, to protect the victim, the court can give an Injunction (restraining orders) to the abuser. It will prevent the abuser from getting in contact with the victim.
Did you know- There are different types of injunctions that the court can order for different violence types. Isn’t it relieving? Once a person is proven guilty of violence in Florida, his/her weapon licenses will get suspended. Furthermore, the laws also prohibit the convict from possessing firearms.
Word of advice: The state laws are subjected to change through new court decisions (including federal decisions), new legislation, and others. That is why it is crucial to consult your attorney before or verify the law you are searching for.
Defense against false allegations
Yes, you read it right. It can be hard to believe, but the truth is that some people do make false accusations of domestic abuse on their partner. It usually involves personal grudges against the other that leads to these false accusations. You can visit thefloridatriallawyer.com for more information. Â
As a result, it causes damage to a great extends, such as:
- Possibility of imprisonment
- Creates criminal record against falsely accused
- Restriction on entering own house or Lose the ownership of residential property
In such a scenario, it is best to talk to your lawyer as soon as you can. That way, you can protect yourself from such allegations. Otherwise, it can lead to even worse consequences.
The bottom line
There are times when you are emotionally and physically drawn towards a person. Still, it is even more devastating when the same person ends up hurting you most unimaginably. However, rather than getting hurt, it is best to raise your voice against domestic violence and get in touch with your attorney to protect yourself.
So, gather your courage and start your journey towards violence-free life.
