When an individual commits abuse to control an intimate partner or family member in California, that person can be charged with domestic violence. The state treats such perpetrators harshly and the penalties for a conviction are severe. According to California law, intimate partners include spouses, divorcees, girlfriends, boyfriends, cohabitants and people with children in common. They may be gay or straight. While the specific type of relationship may vary, there is one constant ? these couples usually have a power imbalance within the relationship.

A person who tries to control his or her intimate partner through the use of threats, intimidation, and physical or emotional abuse does so in an attempt to gain power over the partner. Individual acts of domestic violence are often committed out of anger, stress or frustration, but repeated abuse usually stems from a desire to exert control over another person. No matter what type of domestic abuse takes place, until the balance of power shifts, the abuse will continue. In some cases, the only way to correct the power imbalance is for the victim to leave the relationship.

The typical family dynamic involves nurturing relationships and a nurturing environment. While some families lack nurturing qualities and do not experience domestic violence, statistics reveal that in a family where the power and control are out of balance, there will be a higher risk of abuse within that family. The partner who is the primary income earner in the family may have more control because he or she is responsible for the basic needs of the family members, but he or she may not exercise this power. A person who uses the bread-winner status as a means to control the rest of the family would be engaging in abusive behavior.

A victim of domestic violence will stay with an abusive partner for many reasons. A person who has been consistently and/or severely victimized may suffer from a psychological condition called battered person’s syndrome. The victim’s self-esteem is probably very low and he or she may believe that no options exist and that the abusive partner is the only person who would be in an intimate relationship with him or her. Some studies suggest that strong, emotional bonds form between the victim and perpetrator in an abusive relationship largely because of the imbalance of power that exists. The abuser gains more power while the victim’s self-esteem plummets and he or she becomes even more dependent on the abuser. In addition, the cycle of abuse can be almost addicting, especially the honeymoon phase that occurs when the victim believes that the perpetrator will stop. This erroneous belief is often fueled by an over-apologetic abuser.

For victims and perpetrators of abuse who desire help, California has many valuable resources. Counseling is available to victims of domestic violence and their abusers who wish to stop their abusive behavior. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can be quite beneficial, especially when legal issues arise. Lawyers at the Kavinoky Law Firm receive extensive ongoing training in California domestic violence law and the various nuances found within these complex laws. They can advise a victim of intimate partner abuse on how to seek legal help which may include filing for a protective order. Kavinoky attorneys have helped hundreds of clients who experienced intimate partner abuse or faced charges of abuse. Contact the firm today and speak to a qualified legal representative who can answer any questions and discuss all options.