Expert domestic violence attorney Torrence L. Howell can help you seek protection from all types of domestic violence.

Anyone who willfully inflicts harm on another person can be charged with criminal offenses. However, when the harm meets the qualifications for a domestic violence crime, the penalties can be much harsher. California has a reputation for being very serious about domestic violence, offering many protections for victims in a wide variety of situations. If you have suffered any type of abuse at the hands of a domestic partner or family member, you can turn to a skilled domestic violence attorney like Torrence L. Howell for immediate help.

What Relationships Does Domestic Violence Apply To?

Domestic violence is a broad term encompassing many different types of abuse perpetrated by one member of an intimate relationship against another. Some examples of intimate relationships include current or former spouses, domestic partners and dating partners. Individuals who are closely related by blood or marriage or who have children together may also be considered eligible for protection under domestic violence statutes in California.

What Types of Abuse Are Covered in Domestic Violence Statutes?

Domestic violence statutes apply to many different kinds of injury or abuse. Often, there doesn’t even have to be a visible physical injury in order for charges to be filed. Here are some of the main types of behaviors that could qualify as domestic violence:

• Physical injuries (inflicted intentionally or due to recklessness)
• Sexual assault
• Threats
• Harassment (including stalking)
• Emotional abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Other actions resulting in one person fearing or feeling controlled by the other

What Protections Does the Law Offer to Victims?

California law offers many protections to victims of domestic violence. The most commonly used protection is probably the restraining order. There are several different types of restraining orders to choose from, which may be used at different points in the progress of a domestic violence case to provide appropriate protection. Stay-away orders prevent the alleged abuser from coming near enough to harm or harass the victim, while kick-out orders can be used to force the abuser to vacate a home shared with the victim. It’s important to note that any kind of restraining order can be issued as either a temporary or a permanent order. The difference is basically whether the order is made before or after a full hearing or trial has been completed.

Additionally, California law includes several provisions to make it easier for victims of domestic violence to escape abuse and get on with their lives. For example, it is very easy for victims to break their leases and relocate in California, and it is also easier for them to keep their jobs as discrimination based on domestic violence issues is illegal.

If you are facing a domestic violence problem, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Torrence L. Howell for fast and effective assistance in securing restraining orders and attending to any other family law issues that may arise.