Domestic Violence Can Occur Without Physical Violence
Many people associate domestic violence with physical abuse. While that is a common form of domestic violence, it is not the only form.
Many of our clients don’t realize they committed domestic violence when they learn of their accusations, partially because they assumed this crime only involves physical acts. Thus, our Columbia domestic violence attorney wants to help you understand the various ways this crime can be committed to best avoid an unexpected charge.
Below are five common types of non-physical domestic violence:
Control
- Requiring your partner’s login information to emails, work-related platforms, apps and social media
- Taking away your partner’s keys, phone, computer, etc.
- Abandoning your partner in dangerous places
- Forcing your partner to disclose their emails, text messages, call logs and social media chats
- Tracking your partner’s location
- Stalking your partner
- Controlling what your partner wears, eats, drinks, etc. as well as where they go
Sexual Abuse
- Raping your partner
- Forcing them to have sex with other people
- Coercing your partner to have sex when they are unwilling or afraid to do so
- Pressuring your partner to have sex without birth control
- Physically harming your partner during sex
Emotional Abuse
- Ignoring your partner’s feelings
- Embarrassing your partner in public or private
- Continuously calling your partner disrespectful names
- Ridiculing or insulting your partner
- Continuously shouting at your partner
- Blaming your partner for everything
- Extreme jealousy
- Intimidating your partner
Isolation
- Prohibiting your partner from seeing their friends, family and co-workers
- Making your partner feel guilty when they want to see friends, family and co-workers
- Threatening to withhold attention and affection if your partner sees anyone besides you
- Refusing to socialize with your partner’s friends, family and co-workers
- Not allowing your partner to go anywhere without you present
Financial Abuse
- Harassing your partner at their job
- Hurting your partner’s credit score
- Hiding or spending your partner’s money so they become financially dependent
- Causing physical or emotional harm that prevents your partner from working
- Withholding money or regulating how much money your partner gets (like an allowance)
Our lawyers at Masella Law Firm, P.A. understand that arguments between couples and family members can get heated and eventually turn ugly. There is a difference between having a big argument and committing domestic violence, which is why it’s easy to get confused. People can falsely accuse their partners of domestic violence unintentionally and suffer a legal battle as a result.
If you were charged with domestic violence in Columbia, you must equip yourself with experienced legal counsel to best resolve your allegations. The prosecution is already building their case against you, so it’s in your best interests to build a hard-hitting defense in response.
Let’s get to work. Your future depends on it. Contact us at (803) 938-4952 to begin the process!