Many relationships in California are built on love and commitment. Even when a couple functions well together, there can be ups and downs. While disagreements and even fights are possible, what is not acceptable is physical harm or abuse. When a partner in a...
Domestic Violence
Can you drop a domestic violence charge?
You and your spouse have been having problems for a long time. Even though you still live together, it's clear the relationship is failing. Tensions have recently escalated, however, and you found yourself in a heated argument one night after your spouse had been...
New bill in California aims to help domestic violence victims
,California has a new bill that aims to offer expanded protections and rights to the victims of domestic violence -- but not everyone agrees that the bill, if it becomes law, will be helpful.Senate Bill 1141 passed the state Senate at the end of June and is now before...
Does the heat lead to more domestic violence?
Does the summer heat tend to make you surly after a while If so, you aren't alone. Studies have long noted that hot weather seems to coincide with aggressive behavior. Just about every type of criminal activity tends to rise, including assaults, robberies and murders....
You don't have to live with domestic violence
No one should have to live in fear. Yet, victims of domestic violence do so every day. They lead their lives walking on eggshells, afraid that the wrong word or facial expression could unleash a torrent of abuse.Anyone who has been abused by their spouse is at risk of...
Who can apply for a restraining order and how long does it last?
Domestic violence is a serious issue here in the United States. California law defines domestic violence as physical or verbal abuse that a person has received from someone they share a close relationship with. There are instances in which the abuse may get so bad...
Signs that an abusive partner's behavior is escalating
Abusive behavior seldom start out in an obvious way. Since abuse is about power and control, the abuser usually begins by breaking down the victim's self-esteem and impairing their ability to fight back or leave.But abuse rarely remains low-key for long. Since abusers...
How domestic violence could effect your children
There are a lot of reasons not to stay in an abusive relationship, but we're going to talk about one more: the effect that being around domestic violence has on your children. No matter how hard you try to shield your children from the violence, they likely are...
What is forced drug abuse?
Substance abuse and domestic violence are often linked together. Drugs and alcohol can serve to incite fights and lower someone's impulse control. It's just recently, however, that researchers have started to realize that drugs and alcohol are also weapons that get...
How do stay-away orders differ from restraining orders?
In California, a "stay-away" order is just what it sounds like: Also known as a Criminal Protective Order (CPO), it's a court order that obliges one person to keep away from another. However, California courts also use something known as a Civil Restraining Order...