Domestic violence has received more attention over the last few decades and the State of California was the first to develop intimate partner abuse laws. The state has a vested interest in deterring domestic violence and to achieve this goal, instituted harsh legal consequences for perpetrators of abuse. Domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic, cultural, racial, and sexual orientation boundaries. The main purpose of domestic violence laws, programs, and resources is to raise awareness about this growing problem, stop abusive behavior and empower victims of domestic violence to leave their abusive relationships. Intimate partner abuse can have devastating, lasting effects on the abused, especially children. Families become involved in the cycle of domestic violence that is very difficult to stop.

California defines domestic violence as any physical, emotional or financial abuse that is directed toward a family member (one’s child, grandchild, parent or grandparent) or toward an intimate partner. According to state law, intimate partners include girlfriends, boyfriends, spouses, divorcees, cohabitants, and people who have children together. The couples can be heterosexual or homosexual.

One of the most important tools for preventing intimate partner violence is education. Mental health providers and professionals should receive training on recognizing the signs of abuse and how to approach an individual whom they may suspect is a victim of abuse. For victims, knowing their rights and having resources may help them get out of abusive relationships.

To be successful, prevention must address three issues: stopping the problem before it starts, providing services and resources for at-risk individuals to help such people identify risk factors, and controlling already existing abusive behaviors. Educating individuals who are at risk for involvement in domestic violence is an important preventative measure. Providing resources from which they can learn and hopefully avoid or leave abusive situations is very important. Also, helping people with substance abuse issues can decrease the potential for domestic violence. And finally, offering some sort of rehabilitation to defendants who are convicted of domestic violence can prevent those people from becoming repeat offenders.

To return a hostile relationship back into a healthy one, the couple has to correct the imbalance of power that has taken place. A successful relationship involves creating an environment that values respect, support, trust, honesty and accountability, responsible parenting, and economic equality and that rejects violent, threatening and intimidating behavior.

Acting with an eye toward prevention is the best way to ensure that domestic violence does not occur in an intimate partnership. When such abuse does happen, attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm can help. These lawyers have many resources to help both victims and perpetrators of abuse. They receive ongoing training in California domestic violence law and the issues that accompany intimate partner abuse charges. Contact The Kavinoky Firm today and speak to a knowledgeable attorney who can help defend against an intimate partner abuse charge or make a referral for the state’s many resources for victims and abusers.