California has taken a stand on domestic violence by becoming one of the strictest states when it comes to punishing its offenders. The consequences of an infliction of injury conviction are severe and possibly even life altering. A standard first-time offender faces up to four years in prison and up to $6,000 in fines, and an individual with prior convictions or whose case had aggravating circumstances can face up to nine years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

In an effort to try to put an end to domestic abuse, there are many programs throughout the state that offer services to educate both the victims and abusers involved in these intense, volatile relationships. If interested in pursuing self-help or if looking to help another, a caring criminal defense lawyer can be a great place to start, as he or she will have these types of resources and referrals right at his or her fingertips.

Counseling for those affected by intimate partner abuse is available to not only help the abuser deal with anger management and violence issues but exists to help empower victims of intimate partner violence as well. With respect to abusers, the goal of counseling is to help them learn to walk away from potentially explosive situations without resorting to violence. Services for the victim frequently include therapy (either private or group), vocational training, and education about how a victim can safely flee from his or her abusive partner. The goal of this therapy is to empower the victim to leave an abusive relationship behind in order to secure his or her safety.

For the abuser, there are batterer’s classes that are structured courses designed to stop the use of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse to gain or maintain control over a partner. California has more than 450 court-approved programs and many others for those seeking help before the courts are forced to intervene. Domestic violence statistics reveal that drugs and/or alcohol often accompnay violent incidents and there are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings which are free of charge and are held throughout the state for the individual who needs this type of help as well. Long-term, live-in facilities also exist for the individual who requires more intense drug or alcohol counseling.

For the victim, there are emergency shelters that are set up throughout the state that will allow a victim and his or her children to take temporary residence while keeping their identity confidential. These shelters’ locations are kept a secret from everyone except those professionals who would need to be “in the know” to help further protect the residents. A same sex victim of domestic violence has an additional safety concern, since his or her abuser would have access to the shelter as well. It is therefore advisable that such a victim inquires about shelters that are specific to persons within the GLBT community. Financial assistance may also be available to help a victim and his or her family get back on their feet.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals affected by infliction of injury can take comfort in knowing that help is available. All of the above services are provided in numerous languages and to people of every economic, ethnic and religious background and are geared towards both victims and abusers. SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone) is a fabulous resource, as it breaks down many categories (including one’s sexual orientation) of victims and abusers and then lists several of the state’s programs under each. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE also offers referrals for same sex persons affected by D.V. In addition, the compassionate and trusted LGBT supportive attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm will refer their clients to a variety of services that will meet their individual needs. For questions about infliction of injury, or about classes and resources available to those affected by it, please contact them today for a free consultation.