California has one of the nation’s most stringent set of domestic violence laws. They are designed to punish offenders severely and help the victims of intimate partner abuse. Domestic violence occurs when an individual engages in almost any form of abuse against an intimate partner. California statutes define intimate partners as girlfriends, boyfriends, spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, and people who have children together. The relationship can be heterosexual or homosexual. In addition, any crime committed against one’s child (or intimate partner abuse committed in the presence of one’s child) will also be prosecuted as a domestic abuse offense.

A majority of intimate partner abuse cases are reported as being perpetrated by a man against a woman. However, women are also guilty of abusing men and same-sex domestic violence is a growing problem as well. This abuse affects people nationwide from every socio-economic, ethnic, and religious background.

Each year in the United States, millions of children are at risk of being abused by their parents. Recent domestic violence statistics indicate that in a national poll of over 6,000 families, between 53% and 70% of male offenders also frequently abused their children. In addition, research shows that women who suffered abuse are twice as likely to abuse their children. In households where intimate partner violence occurs, children are abused either sexually or physically, or are seriously neglected fifteen times more than in homes where the violence does not occur.

There is a wide range of behavioral and emotional problems that children who are exposed to domestic violence may exhibit. Usually the behaviors depend on the child’s age and gender, the child’s disposition, whether or not the child was actually involved in the abuse, and how much abuse the child observe. Younger kids typically can’t understand the abuse and tend to blame themselves for it. A young child’s self-blame often manifests itself through stress, physical complaints, concentration problems, difficulty with eating and sleeping, and regressed behavior such as whining. Children who are slightly older may also display similar issues and will usually express themselves in more negative ways. Symptoms commonly seen in pre-adolescents include defiant behavior, threatening or violent behavior, withdrawal, and low self-esteem.

Teenagers who experience domestic violence display even more destructive deeds. In addition to the above-mentioned behaviors, they may engage in substance abuse, delinquency, and show signs of academic failure. Some research indicates that exposure to domestic violence, either by being directly abused or witnessing the abuse, may be the most significant factor in a children becoming involved in criminal activity.

Regardless of whether a child is abused by a parent or perpetrates abuse towards the parent, the result will be criminal action. An intimate abuse offender faces mandatory probation terms in addition to possible jail time, but if a child is involved in the abuse, either directly or indirectly, custody issues will also be raised. Individuals accused of domestic violence towards their children or an intimate partner in the presence of the children face losing their family and freedom. Child abuse charged as a misdemeanor could lead to a year in jail, attendance for a minimum of one year in a child abuser’s treatment program, formal or informal probation, and a criminal protective order issued against the defendant to protect the child. If convicted of a felony domestic violence charge, the defendant faces the penalties listed above and up to six years in prison.

Domestic violence convictions bring harsh consequences when a child isn’t involved in the allegations. The stakes are even greater when a child is involved. Criminal defense attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm are adept in this area of California law. They have helped countless individuals keep their families and freedom in tact by successfully defending against intimate partner abuse charges. These lawyers understand the delicate nature of domestic violence allegations and treat each client with compassion and respect. They can provide parents with referrals for services and resources to help children who have experienced abuse in any form. Contact the Kavinoky attorneys today and take the most important step in protecting your family and freedom.