Unfortunately, domestic violence is a crime that frequently occurs across all fifty states. Domestic violence describes any sort of violent action among members of the same household or family. If you have experienced domestic violence, contact a domestic violence attorney as soon as possible.
Ranging from physical and sexual violence to emotional and financial abuse, domestic violence is a serious crime. It is important to contact a law enforcement official and a family law attorney to protect your rights and hold those involved responsible.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can, unfortunately, take many shapes and forms. For instance, all of the following can constitute domestic violence and should be considered serious offenses:
- Physical violence: Conflicts in the home can often get heated and lead to violence. Any type of threat of harm, actual harm, or bodily injury, whether intentional or unintentional, is a form of domestic violence.
- Sexual abuse: It is a crime for one person to engage in non-consensual sexual activity with another person. If this happens in the home or between intimate partners, it is considered a form of domestic violence.
- Emotional abuse: If one person uses verbal threats or manipulative actions to control or intimidate another person in their home, this is a form of emotional abuse that constitutes domestic violence.
- Stalking: If you receive repeated unwanted attention from the same person or any harassment or monitoring that causes fear, this is a form of domestic violence. If you are experiencing stalking, you can consider filing a restraining order against the perpetrating family or household member to put an end to the behavior.
Where Is Domestic Violence Most Common?
Recent research on domestic violence in the fifty states has found that 1 in 3 women in the United States experiences domestic violence in their lifetime. About 1 in 4 men experience it as well. The state with the highest rates of domestic violence is Oklahoma.
According to the World Population Review, about 49.1% of women in Oklahoma and 40.7% of men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. On average, about once every five days in Oklahoma, a person dies from domestic violence.
While Oklahoma has been the state with the highest rate of domestic violence for several years, there are, unfortunately, several other states with similar statistics. After Oklahoma, Kentucky is the state with the second-highest rate of domestic violence, with 45.3% of women and 35.5% of men experiencing it. Then comes Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona.
What to Do If You Experience Domestic Violence
Overall, the data suggests that domestic violence is common in every state. It can happen anywhere and to anyone, so it is important to know what to do if you encounter it. If you are experiencing any form of domestic violence, it is critical that you get to a safe space.
Contact a law enforcement official for protection and attend to any injuries from physical harm. If you wish to file a protective order or a restraining order, a domestic violence attorney can help you secure one as soon as possible. You can then begin the process of exploring your legal options for pressing charges.
If you wish to take legal action against the involved party, you can get in touch with an experienced family law attorney who represents individuals in cases of domestic violence. Your attorney can stand by your side and fight for you, giving you peace of mind in this stressful situation. Consulting with a family law lawyer can also help you better understand the legal options you have in front of you and the processes that each one would entail.
FAQs
Q: What State Has the Highest Domestic Violence Rate?
A: With 45.1% of the women and 40.7% of the men in the state experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes, Oklahoma has the highest rate of domestic violence of any state in the country. Oklahoma usually sees cases that involve sexual abuse among intimate partners, stalking, and physical violence.
Q: Which Group Has the Highest Domestic Violence Rate?
A: People of all genders, ethnicities, races, and more experience violence. However, research shows that in the United States, women are more likely to experience domestic violence than men. In particular, research shows that black women and women of other minorities often experience intimate partner violence the most but are less likely to report it than white women.
Q: What Are the Laws Against Domestic Violence in the US?
A: Domestic violence is against the law in the United States. Any sort of assault against a member of your household is, at the very least, a Class 1 misdemeanor. While instances of emotional abuse or manipulation might be trickier to prove, you can also sue for those. Your lawyer can help you identify evidence and craft a compelling argument on your behalf so you can seek justice and protection in the wake of any kind of domestic violence.
Q: Is There a Statute of Limitations on Domestic Violence?
A: Whether or not there is a statute of limitations on domestic violence and what its length is will depend on the state in which you live. For instance, if you are reporting a case of domestic violence in Michigan, you have six years to do so, but if you are doing it in Texas, you have two years. If you are unsure about whether or not you can report an incident, consulting with a family law attorney about your situation can help.
A Trustworthy, Multi-State Family Law Attorney
If you need legal advice or support in regard to domestic violence or any other family law issue, our team here at Stange Law Firm is happy to support you. We have a proven track record of successfully supporting our clients across the United States, and we provide compassionate, individualized guidance no matter how complex your case may be.
We know how tough this time can be, and we can see you through it. Learn more about how we can help you by contacting our office today.
