Domestic violence is a pattern of violent behavior used to exert power and control over another person. It is a serious offense that, if convicted, can result in harsh consequences such as jail time, probation, and fines.
What falls under domestic violence?
According to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, Florida ranks seventh with 53.9 percent of women who experienced domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This extends beyond physical violence and includes emotional and psychological abuse.
- Physical: This includes hitting, kicking, shoving, grabbing or any action that causes bodily harm. Threats of violence may also fall under this category.
- Sexual: This is anything non-consensual, forced or considered sexual assault and battery.
- Emotional and psychological: This involves verbal abuse such as name-calling, humiliation, intimidation and isolation from friends and family.
- Financial: This kind of abuse involves controlling someone’s access to money, withholding financial support or using the money as a form of coercion.
Aside from the ones mentioned, other criminal offenses like kidnapping, false imprisonment and criminal stalking may fall under domestic violence.
What are the penalties for a domestic violence conviction?
Penalties for domestic violence vary depending on the severity of the offense. In general, domestic violence has two categories: misdemeanor and felony. A misdemeanor conviction may result in jail time of up to a year, while felony convictions may lead to lengthy prison sentences. Additionally, the convicted individual may be required to undergo mandatory counseling and anger management classes and impose a restraining order.
