Like many other aspects of the justice system, there are many misconceptions surrounding domestic violence cases, including the far-reaching implications for all parties involved. These myths usually result from a lack of knowledge or understanding of domestic violence assault and battery charges, so it is important for all individuals to be educated in order to prevent future abuse. Learn more as the McConnell Law Firm domestic violence lawyers in Wichita, Kansas, debunk common domestic violence myths and misconceptions below.
Domestic Violence Is Purely Physical
Due to the overwhelmingly physical and graphic portrayal of domestic violence in the media and other outlets, many individuals do not realize that domestic violence can also emerge from verbal and emotional abuse. Most often, it is the result of physical abuse toward a family or household member or a person involved in a romantic relationship with the offender, but a domestic violence assault can include verbal threats. According to the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, domestic violence is considered a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another partner. This can include but is not limited to emotional abuse, threats, and economic abuse, in addition to physical abuse. An example of a non-physical domestic violence offense can be seen anywhere, from a partner pointing a gun at the other to an individual threatening to hit their roommate with a car.
Only Men Are Accused of Domestic Violence
While men are statistically charged far more often with domestic violence than women, there is a common misconception that women cannot be accused or charged with domestic violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in seven men in the United States has been victim to physical violence by an intimate partner. Additionally, studies have shown that abuse rates are relatively the same in LGBTQIA+ relationships as seen in heterosexual relationships.
“Oftentimes, the frequency of women being charged with domestic violence is related to the gender disparity between men and women,” said Jonathan W. McConnell, a leading domestic violence lawyer in Wichita, Kansas, who also founded the McConnell Law Firm. “Many times, I see instances of domestic violence in lesbian relationships, female roommate relationships, and even heterosexual romantic relationships. In today’s society, I believe that law enforcement is more apt to arrest women if they deem necessary, and prosecutors are more likely to pursue domestic violence charges against women than they may have been a few years ago.”
An Accuser Can Immediately Have the Charges Dropped
When making accusations of domestic violence against a partner, may individuals believe that if they revoke their statement and decide not to move forward with a case that the charges will immediately be dropped. While the prosecution may choose not to move forward with the case, there is no guarantee that the charges will be dropped if the alleged victim changes their mind, and, oftentimes, the government will proceed irrespectively. Many individuals fail to realize that the government represents the state of Kansas, or the city of Wichita, or whatever entity they are representing and may choose to move forward with the case because they believe the accused is a danger to society. This is why it’s essential to think carefully before making accusations of domestic violence and seek an experienced domestic violence lawyer if you have been falsely accused.
Domestic Violence Only Occurs in Romantic Relationships
Perhaps the most common myth regarding domestic violence is the perception that domestic violence can only occur between individuals in a romantic relationship. While the vast majority of people accused of domestic violence are in an intimate relationship, the Kansas Statutes define several different levels of domestic relationships, including family members, roommates, and more. It is also important to keep in mind that not each battery or assault carries a domestic violence tag; the tag is used to define a sort of intimate relationship that the legislature deems needs to be treated much more harshly than a standard battery charge.
Have You Been Accused?
If a false domestic violence accusation has been made against you, we encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm as soon as possible. While every case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting a domestic violence lawyer in Wichita about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a skilled attorney by your side from the beginning.
