Domestic violence is a serious problem throughout the world, including California. It can take various forms, including physical, financial, sexual and emotional. Learn more about the sad statistics of domestic abuse in California, as well as how to avoid it at losangeleska.
Sad statistics of domestic violence
Some of the facts are shocking. A brief overview of the scale of this public problem will help you understand how widespread domestic violence is in California:
- every year, up to 3 million women are physically abused by their husbands or boyfriends.
- according to a 1998 Commonwealth Foundation survey, 31% of American women claimed to have been victims of physical or sexual assault by a man or boyfriend.
- yearly, around 124 women in California are killed by a spouse, with 45% in the process of divorce at the time. In most situations, the family, close environment and colleagues are aware of domestic abuse.
- 85% of women (including pregnant women) and 15% of men have experienced sexual assault.
Residents of California can call crisis lines toll-free (800-775-6055) and local (760-328-SAFE(7233).
Why do women become victims of domestic violence?
This pattern could have developed for a variety of reasons. For example, in a male-dominated society, women have less power and influence, which can be a reason for domestic violence. This reason should include sexist gender stereotypes that many modern Americans still struggle with. These preconceptions about men being dominating and women being submissive appear to justify domestic violence.
Additionally, there is a pattern showing that women who were raised in families where they witnessed domestic violence are more likely to become victims of domestic abuse as adults. They subconsciously believe that violence is an acceptable method of resolving conflicts. Women grow up with the belief that they do not deserve a better attitude.
Women are far more likely to be victims of domestic abuse as a result of economic dependence. This is particularly true for families with children. A woman believes she will be unable to provide for her children (or child) on her own, thus she chooses to continue living in a violent, destructive relationship.
In addition, abusers isolate the victim from her close environment in order to control her. Women feel alone and powerless. It is significantly more difficult for them to end such a relationship.
We would like to remind you once again that violence cannot be justified and the most important thing is that it is not the victim’s fault, but a crime that the abuser deliberately commits. Women who have experienced domestic abuse are not responsible for what happened, and they do not deserve such treatment.
Severe punishment
Domestic violence is a serious crime in Los Angeles and throughout California, punishable by severe penalties. Overall, this is a major problem among California families. Here are some examples of domestic violence:
- physical abuse is defined as mistreatment by one spouse towards the other. As previously stated, in the majority of situations, women suffer. Physical violence includes child abuse, pushing, slapping, spanking and strangulation.
- sexual violence includes coercion to sexual acts, rape and harassment.
- emotional abuse can take the form of manipulation, isolation, bullying, insults and humiliation or criticism.
- economic violence includes bans on school and work, financial control and economic threats.
- psychological violence consists of threats and intimidation intended to instill fear in the victim. This type of violence is intended to keep control. For example, the victim could be locked in the house and isolated from others.
Each type of domestic violence has a devastating impact on the lives of its victims.
According to the California PEN 13700:
“Domestic violence is the abuse of a minor or adult, current or former spouse, cohabitant or former cohabitant with whom the victim had a relationship.”
“Abuse” is defined as the negligent or intentional infliction of harm on another person or the creation of situations in which the victim may sustain serious harm or injuries.
Types of crimes and punishment
- Domestic beating. The victim is seriously injured and the defendant is charged with battery in line with the law.
- Intentional physical harm. This violation refers to the actual infliction of harm on the victim.
- Aggravated battery, defined by the Criminal Code. It is important to note that the offense will continue as long as the victim has serious injuries.
Individuals who violate the law for the first time face a mandatory minimum prison term of 30 days, as well as compensation for the injured person. We’re talking about medical bills, psychological counseling and compensation for lost wages or property damage in the event of its destruction.
The abuser must attend a yearly program that includes counseling and treatment. The program helps you complete rehabilitation.
If the charge of domestic violence is on the person’s permanent criminal record, it will always show up during the identity check. For example, this will significantly complicate employment, finding housing, obtaining a loan from a bank and obtaining other benefits.
When committing domestic violence, the abuser must be aware that they may lose custody of their children. In this scenario, the law allows them only to visit the children. Penalties include the loss of the right to possess firearms.
According to California law, any foreigner charged with domestic violence risks being deported from the United States to their country of origin or the loss of the legal right to apply for a green card, resulting in the possibility of transitioning from illegal to legal status.
Emergency protective order
Under California law, a victim of domestic violence can file for an emergency protective order. This grants the victim legal protection against the abuser. This legal document, issued by the court, prohibits the abuser from approaching the victim or contacting him/her in any way.
Obtaining an emergency restraining order will allow you to cease threats and violence, stop living with the abuser (the abuser will leave the shared residence) and prohibit approaching the victim and places where the victim frequently visits. The innocent party might seek legal protection against the abuser either independently or with the assistance of a lawyer.
It is worth noting that most acts of domestic abuse result in both criminal and civil liability. That is, criminal procedures against the abuser do not preclude pursuing compensation in a civil claim. A famous instance of this is the Goldman v. Simpson case. O. J. Simpson was acquitted of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The victim’s family filed a civil complaint against O. J. Simpson for negligent murder and won the case. The victim’s family received $33.5 million in monetary compensation.
As a result, anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, but there are numerous options to get help. These include hotlines (free and confidential), shelters, non-profit organizations and law enforcement agencies. Victims of domestic violence should be aware that they are not alone and can get help.
