Domestic violence, in California is any type of abuse (financial, emotional or physical) that is directed at one’s child, grandchild, parent or grandparent or at one’s intimate partner. With respect to a LGBT relationship, intimate partners are dating, living together, civilly united, have children together or once shared one of these relationships. Any crime that is committed against one’s intimate partner or other stated family member will be prosecuted as a domestic abuse crime in California, which means that in addition to the penalties that the offender faces for the specific crime he or she committed, additional penalties will attach because the crime qualifies as one of domestic violence.

Signs of domestic violence are often the same in any relationship affected by intimate partner abuse, regardless of the sexual orientation of the couple. The main sign is fear. Other signs come in a variety of forms and include, but are not limited to, feelings of numbness, self-hatred and helplessness within the abused individual and signs that are exhibited in the abusive partner’s violent, threatening, controlling or critical/mocking behavior.

Signs that suggest that a person may be the victim of intimate partner violence include the victim being placed under constant surveillance, a victim being isolated from others, a victim suffering from bodily injury, a victim being criticized or humiliated either in private or in front of others, the victim receiving the blame for the abusive partner’s violent behavior and a general power imbalance that exists between the abusive individual and his or her victim. Others may often detect that a friend or family member suffers from these signs of D.V. and may wish to get that individual help, but it is the victim of the abuse that must recognize that he or she identifies with these signs if he or she is going to benefit from such help.

Symptoms of domestic violence are widespread and vary from person to person. There are, however, certain characteristics and behaviors that are exhibited by the majority of victims who suffer from domestic abuse that have devastating effects on these abused individuals. Some of the most common symptoms include anger, anxiety and fear, depression, low self-esteem, health problems, eating disorders and a desire to withdraw from others. Many victims act out in destructive ways and are violent to others and/or even themselves, as many contemplate or attempt suicide, begin abusing drugs and/or alcohol and/or develop additional addictive behaviors. It must be noted that an individual who is physically abused may be seriously injured or even killed if he or she doesn’t leave the relationship.

Hotlines, classes and additional resources are available to members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community who are affected by intimate partner abuse – to the victims of DV and to those who need help controlling their abusive behavior. The trusted, GLBT supportive attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm have resources and referrals that are specific and sensitive to the unique needs of these individuals for those who wish to seek help or who need legal advice about their legal rights and remedies with respect to domestic violence. They specialize in same sex domestic violence and will take the time to sit down with an individual accused of domestic abuse and listen to all of his or her questions and concerns, treating that individual with the respect and compassion that he or she deserves. With law offices in Los Angeles and throughout California, they are conveniently located for anyone in need of a gay-friendly California domestic violence lawyer. To discuss familial domestic violence or intimate partner abuse, contact them today for a free consultation.