In California, domestic violence laws apply to all crimes that are committed against one’s intimate partner, one’s child, parent or anyone else related by blood or marriage within the second degree. With respect to the LGBT community, intimate partners are those who have children together, who are or were living together, who are or were dating and who are or were civilly united. Domestic abuse is a general phrase that encompasses many different types of abuse, some that are easy to identify and prove and others that are not.

Physical abuse is the most reported and easily identified type of domestic violence and can range from restraint to murder. Physical abuse takes place when an individual intentionally uses force upon another, attempting to cause harm, pain, and/or injury. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, slapping, shoving, punching, restraining, shaking, choking, biting, sexual abuse and assault with a weapon.

Emotional abuse, also commonly referred to as psychological or verbal abuse, is believed to be widely underreported because of the fact that it is difficult to prove and is usually committed in connection with other types of abuse. Although physical abuse might be more painful, the effects of emotional abuse are considered to be far more devastating. Emotional abuse takes place when a person intimidates or threatens another in an effort to gain or maintain control over that person, mocks, shames or criticizes another person (regardless of whether others are present at the time), isolates another person or destroys pets or property in front of another person in an effort to instill fear in that individual. Again, this is simply a sample of common types of emotional abuse and is not a complete list of all of the different types of psychological abuse that take place.

Financial abuse, also known as economic dependence or manipulation, occurs when an individual either prevents access to or withholds money, checks or credit cards from another. Stealing from another (examples include a child who steals from a parent, a person who steals from his or her partner, or a person who exploits his or her partner for his or her own financial gain) or withholding necessities from another such as food, shelter, clothes or medicine will also qualify. Financial abuse often goes hand-in-hand with emotional abuse and can cause a victim to feel absolutely hopeless.

The effects of domestic violence are serious and can last forever. Victims of D.V. often exhibit low self-esteem, depression, fear or anxiety, withdrawal, anger, eating disorders and other health problems and may develop drug, alcohol and/or other destructive, addictive behaviors. The effects on children (whether they are directly abused or witness the abuse that takes place in their home) are even more extreme. In addition to the above behaviors, children will often act out by committing crimes and acting violent towards others, are likely to grow up to be adult abusers and may even attempt suicide.

The GLBT supportive attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm specialize in California crimes of same sex domestic violence and can help defend against a charge of intimate partner abuse, child abuse or elder abuse. They understand the special issues that their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender clients face and will make sure that their rights are vehemently protected. These trusted attorneys are also available to provide referrals for counseling and other types of services for those families that have been affected by domestic violence. With law offices in Los Angeles and throughout California, they are available to provide their exceptional legal advice and professional services to anyone in need of a gay-friendly, California domestic violence lawyer. Because of the devastating effects that abuse can have on one’s family, an individual accused of domestic abuse faces severe consequences if convicted. One’s family and freedom are too important to trust to an inexperienced attorney. To best avoid these harsh realities, contact the Kavinoky Firm today for a free consultation.