In California, domestic violence applies to same sex intimate partners (which includes those who are or were civilly united, those who are or were living together, those who are or were dating and those who have children together), to children and to anyone else who is related by blood or marriage within the second degree. While it may sound strange, domestic abuse therefore applies to children who abuse their parents. Unfortunately, even though this type of abuse definitely exists, it receives very little attention and therefore leaves parents who are in this situation wondering if there is anything they can do about this problem or anyone they can turn to for trusted legal advice.

The caring, GLBT supportive attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm specialize in California’s D.V. crimes and in all of the different types of cases that may be prosecuted under this category of offenses, which includes child-related cases as well. Parents who find themselves facing this family violence problem can take comfort in knowing that help is available and that the compassionate attorneys at the Kavinoky Firm can lead a parent victim in the right direction.

Parents are often the silent victims of domestic violence. Intimate partner abuse is widely recognized, as is any form of child abuse. Parent abuse, however, often flies under the radar, even though it is as real and destructive as the other two categories of abuse. When a child, under the age of 18, engages in behavior that is intentionally harmful to his or her parent and is used as a way to control that parent, he or she is abusing that parent. The abuse, much like intimate partner abuse or child abuse, can be physical, emotional or financial and takes place in families without respect to sexual orientation, race, religion, education or financial status.

The parent-child relationship is not an equal relationship. Parents are supposed to guide, protect, discipline and provide for their children. When this role is not met, the situation invites disaster and the potential for abuse. It should be noted that not all defiant or resistant behavior is abusive, as all children – and particularly teenagers – go through phases to exert their independence. That being said, if a child’s behavior is clearly intended as a way to exert power or control over a parent, that parent is being abused and must seek help.

Physical parent abuse can take the form of punching, hitting, shoving, throwing things or damaging the home (for example, punching a hole in the wall). This list is by no means complete, it is just a sampling of the different types of physical abuse that may be directed at a parent. Depending on the circumstances that surround the situation, a child exhibiting this type of behavior may face punishment within the juvenile justice system.

Emotional abuse, also commonly called verbal abuse, is used to manipulate or terrorize a parent. Emotional abuse includes degrading the parent, running away from home, lying to the parent, swearing at the parent and threatening to “out the parent”. Again, this list is not exhaustive, it simply provides a sample of the most common types of emotional abuse that children inflict upon their parents.

Financial abuse, also referred to as economic manipulation, takes place when a child steals from his or her parents, incurs debts that his or her parents are legally responsible for paying or sells his or her parent’s belongings.

Parents who are being abused by their children can contact their local juvenile detention agency to see if they have programs that may be able to punish and, more importantly, rehabilitate their children. Speaking with a gay-friendly California domestic violence lawyer may also be helpful to determine if the abusive behavior is, in fact, criminal and what legal options are available to a same sex family affected by parent abuse. Contact the law offices of Darren Kavinoky today for a free consultation and for the most trusted representation.