When Women Commit Domestic Violence
Statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) estimate that roughly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced “some form of physical violence” perpetrated by an intimate partner (currently, there is not enough data to report on trends involving people of other genders). While women are the more frequently discussed victims, this does not mean that they do not commit intimate partner violence. If you have been victimized in a crime of domestic violence, you deserve justice, regardless of the genders of those involved.
Men May Not Report
Men experience intimate partner violence both from women and from other men. While women are significantly more likely to be sexually assaulted, men experience serious violence from intimate partners at just a slightly lower rate than women do, and the injuries can be life-changing. A recent case in Flagler County involved a man injured by his ex-girlfriend’s dog after she allegedly told it to attack. The girlfriend was charged with three domestic violence-related offenses – strangulation, aggravated battery, and false imprisonment – and taken into custody.
That said, men can experience problems when reporting crimes of domestic violence for a variety of reasons. Too often, outdated gender roles can lead to a male victim being disbelieved or even mocked for being “weak,” pushing a victim to not bother reporting, and this can be even worse for men in relationships with other men. The NCADV reports that only around 25 percent of gay men even bothered calling law enforcement after experiencing “near-lethal” violence. Victims deserve better.
No Specific ‘Domestic Violence’ Offense
Florida’s domestic violence law is fairly broad, acting as an umbrella term for a host of criminal offenses. Any crime resulting in physical injury or death to the victim, who must be a “family or household member” of the alleged perpetrator, qualifies as a crime of domestic violence. There is no specific crime of domestic violence in Florida’s statutes; rather the designation acts as a kind of sentencing enhancement if a person is convicted of an offense that qualifies.
If you have been the victim of a domestic violence incident, you deserve closure, regardless of gender. While it is the state that tries criminal cases, it can still be beneficial to consult an attorney about your next steps forward; in addition, you may be able to hold your alleged abuser liable in civil court for the harm they have caused. Seeking out legal help is never a bad idea.
Call A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney
Being the victim of domestic violence is an event that can change a person’s life – starting with their perception of themselves. Male victims of domestic violence deserve justice, and with a West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. on your side, you have an attorney who will work hard to achieve that outcome. Contact our office today to speak to an attorney.
Source:
ncadv.org/statistics
