Rancho Cucamonga Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you’ve been the victim of domestic violence, you need to know that there is help available and that you’re not alone. In 2020, there were 160,646 domestic violence related calls made in the state of California.

You may need to talk to a Rancho Cucamonga domestic violence lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help point you toward several helpful resources and give you the legal guidance you need during this difficult time. If you are contemplating filing for divorce, we can help you with that, as well.

What is Domestic Violence?

Many people think of domestic violence is something that occurs against women and is perpetrated by men – but that’s not always the case. In fact, studies show the violence against men is increasing.

Regardless of gender, the fact remains that domestic violence is a crime, and no one deserves to be a victim of it.

Domestic violence can cover a wide range of actions, and it isn’t just about physical abuse. Abuse can be verbal, psychological and emotional, as well.

Domestic Violence Actions

The U.S. Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another into my partner.”

Domestic violence can include physical abuse, such as:

Hitting
Slapping
Shoving
Grabbing
Pinching
Biting
Hair-pulling
Forcing alcohol or drugs on someone
Denying someone medical care

Other types of domestic violence include:

Sexual abuse. Trying to coerce someone into sexual contact or behavior without his or her consent can be considered sexual abuse. Marital rape, forcing sex after physical violence, or treating someone in a sexually demeaning manner are also forms of sexual abuse.
Emotional abuse. Constant criticism, diminishing someone’s abilities, and name-calling are forms of emotional abuse. Damaging someone’s relationship with his or her children and undermining someone’s sense of self-worth or self-esteem is also abusive behavior.
Economic abuse. Maintaining total control over financial resources, restricting or withholding access to money, or forbidding someone to work or attend school are methods of economic abuse.
Psychological abuse. Causing fear by intimidation, threatening to harm someone (self, partner, children, or family or friends), hurting pets or destruction of property are all forms of psychological abuse. Additionally, forcing isolation from a person’s family, friends and support network is a type of psychological abuse.

Laws That Protect Domestic Violence Victims

There are laws in place that protect domestic violence victims in the state of California. Victims can apply for domestic violence restraining orders and protection from their abusers.

In California, committing a domestic abuse is a crime.

Domestic Violence Statistics

Generally speaking, domestic violence accounts for approximately 21 percent of all violent crime in the U.S. Intimate partner violence is more common than other forms of domestic violence, and according to the U.S. Department of Justice, current or former intimate partners commit most domestic violence offenses.

Most domestic violence incidents occur at or near the victim’s home, and intimate partner violence results in more injuries than violence perpetrated by other relatives.

However, intimate partners are approximately 7 percent less likely than other relatives to use a weapon during a domestic violence offense.

What to Do if You’re the Victim of Domestic Violence

If you have been the victim of domestic violence, it’s important that you know, statistically speaking, these types of incidents usually become more severe over time. The best thing you can do for yourself – and your children, if you have them – is to leave the situation immediately.

Victims of domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233; if you need TDD service call 800-787-3224. The hotline is active 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and they employ speakers of more than 100 languages.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you find:

Domestic violence shelters
Emergency shelters
Social service programs

You can also visit the California Department of Public Health’s and Violence Prevention and Resource Directory for more information about what to do.

Call a Rancho Cucamonga Domestic Violence Lawyer

You deserve better than what you’ve been through. You may find it helpful to talk to a Rancho Cucamonga domestic violence lawyer who can provide you with case-specific legal advice.

Call us at 909-466-7661 or get in touch with us online. We’ll handle your case with the dignity and compassion you deserve.

Citations:
KidsData. (n.d.). Child and youth safety. Retrieved from https://www.kidsdata.org/export/pdf?cat=3

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2013). Nonfatal domestic violence, 2003-2012 (NCJ 244697). Retrieved from https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/ndv0312.pdf