Incidents of Domestic Violence Increase Around the First of the Year

Domestic violence is a serious problem in the United States. According to research and surveys, Americans are physically abused by an intimate partner at a rate of 20 people per minute. Research also shows that about one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. Domestic violence includes any instance in which a person physically, emotionally, or sexually abuses their romantic partner or someone in their family. Domestic violence or domestic abuse can happen to anyone.

It is often assumed that mostly women are victimized by domestic violence but this is not always the case. People of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses are affected by domestic violence. A perpetrator of domestic abuse may:

• Physically hurt their partner by pushing, choking, slapping, punching, kicking, or using a weapon against them;
• Break down their partner emotionally by attacking them with insults or humiliating them;
• Threaten their partner or their partner’s family if he or she attempts to leave the relationship or seek safety;
• Isolate their partner from friends and family;
• Force their partner to perform unwanted sexual acts or make them to have sex against their will;
• Deprive their partner of financial access or use money to manipulate him or her;
• Stalk their partner by either following them or using technology such as GPS systems to monitor their actions and location;
• Sabotage birth control methods or refuse to use protection in order to force a pregnancy;
• Make the victim use drugs or alcohol against their will; and
• Destroy the victim’s property.

New Year’s Day Concerns

Studies have shown that on average, police incident reports involving domestic violence are higher on New Year’s Day than normal. No one knows all of the reasons for this increase, but some have speculated that domestic violence increases after the holidays because some abusers will hide their abusive and violent behavior during the holidays. Once visiting friends and family are gone, the abuser lashes out at their victim. This prompts some victims of domestic violence to reach a crisis point and to finally reach out for help.

Skilled Legal Assistance

Just because someone is accused of domestic violence does not mean that they actually committed the crime. If you are facing allegations of domestic violence, it is important to take action on your own behalf right away. Contact an experienced San Jose criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your case and your options. Call 408-277-0377 for a confidential consultation with Wesley J. Schroeder, Attorney at Law, today.

Sources:

https://www.domesticshelters.org/domestic-violence-articles-information/domestic-violence-doesn-t-take-a-holiday#.WkaISd-nHIU

https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/welfare/2015/12/it-s-hardest-time-year-why-domestic-violence-spikes-over-christmas