California developed a technical and punitive set of domestic violence laws intended to evoke harsh legal consequences for anyone engaging in intimate partner abuse. Crimes that fall under the State’s domestic violence laws include any type of abuse, whether financial, emotional or physical, that is directed toward an intimate partner. Intimate partners have been defined as heterosexual or homosexual couples that are dating, married, divorced, separated, cohabitating or who have children together.

There are several signs of domestic violence that seem to be constant in abusive relationships. One of the primary signs of intimate partner abuse is a constant fear by one intimate partner of the perpetrator of abuse. Victims of abuse have reported feeling like they are walking on eggshells, afraid of what action the intimate partner might take against them next. Also, a victim of abuse may in turn begin to abuse other loved ones. A parent who abuses his or her child may be doing so in response to abuse from his or her partner. Victims of domestic violence also report feeling self-hatred, helplessness and numbness.

When a couple is involved in the cycle of abuse that promulgates domestic violence, many of the following signs may be evident to outsiders: the perpetrator or other family member constantly supervises the victim’s activities, isolates the victim from friends and family, inflicts bodily injury on the partner, sexually abuses the partner, criticizes or humiliates the partner, blames him or her for violent outbursts and threatens to hurt him or herself, or another family member, or even threatens to injure the family pet. Unfortunately, an outsider who recognizes these signs cannot be of much assistance if the victim or perpetrator of abuse does not see what is happening.

Many relationships that endure domestic violence have similar patterns or symptoms within the relationship. Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, health problems, eating disorders, withdrawal from others and anger are some of the most common symptoms. Oftentimes, victims of abuse instigate destructive behaviors including violence toward others, drug and alcohol use, and suicide attempts. The most destructive behavior is remaining in an abusive relationship where the victim’s health is in jeopardy.

Many resources are available to victims of intimate partner abuse and abuse by other family members including hotlines, classes and additional resources. A person who is experiencing abuse at the hands of an intimate partner or other family member should seek help as soon as possible. A person who has been charged with domestic violence or who has engaged in abusive behavior and would like to stop should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands California domestic violence laws. Lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm have many resources and referrals for both perpetrators and victims of abuse. They can also help an individual who has been falsely accused of committing intimate partner abuse. These attorneys have helped many clients who were dealing with the various issues that arise in domestic violence incidents. If you need help, contact The Kavinoky Firm today and speak with a knowledgeable legal professional.