Domestic violence is a huge problem today. Statistically, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience some form of abuse from their partner. Furthermore, domestic violence cases account for about 15% of all violent crime cases in the United States. Leaving an abusive relationship or marriage can be very difficult, but there are resources for you to reach out to in your time of need. 

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship behaves in a negative way to gain control of the other person. 

Domestic violence can come in many forms, including:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Sexual abuse

Examples of domestic violence can include:

• Manipulation
• Gaslighting
• Injuries and bruises (from being hit, pushed, bit, beaten, etc.)
• Not having control over your money or being given an "allowance"
• Intimidation
• Rape

If you're in an abusive relationship that you want out of, look into a domestic violence attorney or a battery attorney to help you get the justice you deserve.

Why Choose a Battery Attorney?

A battery attorney is the type of criminal defense attorney that specializes in assault and battery cases. Because domestic violence cases oftentimes include assault and battery, a battery attorney can properly defend you, especially if you had to fight back against your abuser. 

A battery attorney will help you with the following:

• Proving you acted in self-defense (if applicable)
• Representing and defending you in court
• Negotiating
• Paperwork and documentation
• Providing legal advice
• Getting a restraining order
• Gathering evidence

These lawyers will have expert knowledge on handling a case that contains assault and battery, including domestic violence cases. Your attorney may also be able to help you find proper resources for shelter and funding to keep you safe during the trial. 

Possible Outcomes of Domestic Violence Cases

There are a few different possible outcomes for domestic violence cases. 

Charges

There are times when a neighbor or loved one may report a domestic dispute resulting in an arrest. Contrary to popular belief, the judge is the one who decides whether to press charges or not in these cases. Even if both parties are fighting for the charges to be dropped, the judge can still press charges. 

Charges, whether both parties are against it or not, can result in probation or jail time. The charges are sometimes decreased to disorderly conduct to protect their reputation.

DANCO

DANCO stands for Domestic Assault No Contact Order. This can also occur even if both parties are fighting it. Just as it sounds, this means both parties are to refrain from any form of contact. This can be lifted in court. 

Stay of Adjudication

If someone receives a stay of adjudication, they have not been convicted. This means that the case is "pending" while they serve their probation time. After probation is over, the case is dismissed. 

Continuance for Dismissal

A continuance for dismissal is like a stay of adjudication. After a probationary period, if no further incidents have occurred, the charges are dropped. 

Not Guilty

The not-guilty verdict is a nightmare for victims everywhere. This means the abuser gets away with the crime without a scratch. This could be due to lack of proof/evidence or simply because the judge and/or jury was convinced the incident never happened. 

For additional info, contact a local battery attorney.