Sadomasochism, popularly known as S&M, has become increasingly normalized in recent years as many adults seek an outlet to express their sexual interests. For those who enjoy the consensual aspects of S&M acts, there seems to be a clear line between real life and fantasy. If you’ve ever considered engaging in S&M, you’ve probably been rather inquisitive of the consequences, but have you ever worried that participating in an S&M lifestyle could lead to a domestic violence charge? According to the McConnell Law Firm domestic violence attorneys in Wichita, Kansas, the act of participating in an S&M lifestyle may increase the chances of becoming involved in a domestic violence case.
Threats of an S&M Lifestyle
The charge of battery, characterized by harmful or offensive touching, remains the leading domestic violence charge in Kansas. In recent years, McConnell Law Firm sex crimes attorneys in Wichita, Kansas, have discovered that the increasingly popularized S&M lifestyle, practiced by many consenting individuals, may increase one’s chances of facing a domestic violence charge.
The effects of an S&M encounter are commonly manifested in a physical form through bruising, bite marks, and other skin deformities, oftentimes producing a victimized appearance despite their consensual conception. These injuries can become dangerous to all parties involved when combined with the effects of mind-altering substances, infidelity, and even mental health struggles.
“False domestic violence allegations are much more prevalent than many people think, and they occur with both men and women,” said Jonathan W. McConnell, a leading domestic violence attorney, and founder of the McConnell Law Firm in Wichita, Kansas. “It’s important to understand that pictures of bruising and injuries aren’t always indicative of what has actually occurred.”
Collateral Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges
Common examples of false domestic violence allegations can often be seen in infidelity occurrences where a significant other claims abuse as a defense when they can no longer conceal their sex-incurred injuries from their partner. Not only are these allegations harmful to the accused, but they may result in collateral consequences. These collateral consequences, which include civil actions that are often triggered as a consequence of a conviction, attach a domestic violence tag for years. Although the charge may result in a misdemeanor, it’s common for this domestic violence tag to hinder an individual’s ability to gain employment or even own a firearm.
“Although participating in an S&M lifestyle may start as a consensual affair, it’s very easy for lines to be crossed due to the physical effects of these sexual interactions,” leading domestic violence attorney McConnell states. “Everyone bruises differently; it’s important to know your partner and set strict boundaries to reduce chances of facing domestic violence allegations from consensual encounters.”
Has a Domestic Violence Allegation Been Made?
If an allegation of battery or assault has been made against you in the context of a domestic violence situation, we encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm domestic violence attorneys in Wichita as soon as possible. While every case is different and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting a domestic violence attorney in Wichita about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a skilled domestic violence and sex crimes attorney by your side from the beginning.
