If you’ve been following the news on Ezekiel Elliot‘s domestic violence case, you would know that his attorneys are appealing the NFL’s decision to suspend him for six games.
They reasoned that Elliot’s accuser had not been credible and that even Kia Roberts, the NFL director of investigations, recommended no suspension for the player.
Now, you may think people are only interested in this case because there’s a high-profile personality involved. You should know though domestic violence allegations are always taken extremely serious in court.
Superstar or not, it’s important to establish exactly what constitutes a domestic violence act.
At a Glance: Domestic Violence
The broadest definition would be any violent act committed by a family member against another. It could be spousal or child abuse. But even those who are not married – living together or simply dating – can file a lawsuit for domestic violence.
The OVW or Office on Violence Against Women states that domestic violence affects not just the victims. Children, especially, are most vulnerable. When they’re frequently exposed to a domestic violence act, it predisposes them to a number of social and physical problems.
It could teach them, for example, that abuse and violence are normal. They themselves could become society’s next generation of abusers and victims.
Types of Domestic Violence
You probably know that domestic violence isn’t just limited to physically hurting a partner or a child. Abuse can be sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological.
Physical Abuse
This is probably the easiest to understand, you might say. You repeatedly hit your partner, you’re a domestic abuser.
But it’s actually more than that. Forcing a partner to drink alcohol or take drugs is considered physical abuse. And so is denying them medical care.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse covers marital rape, forcing a partner or a family member to take part in sexually demeaning acts, as well as attacks on the body’s sexual parts. Emotional abuse, as the name implies, has to do with undermining someone’s self-worth. It could be in the form of unrelenting criticism, name-calling, and damaging one’s relationship with other family members.
Economic Abuse
This involves making an individual financially dependent either through withholding money or preventing one from going to school or working. A victim can also claim economic abuse if his or her money is being spent without his or her consent. Related to this is creating debt or spending the victim’s savings, which limits available resources.
Psychological Abuse
This can include intimidation, threats of self-harm, destroying pets and property, as well as keeping someone from interacting with family, friends, and acquaintances. Stalking is also considered psychological abuse.
Is It or Is It Not a Domestic Violence Act?
If you’re not sure and have recently been charged with domestic violence, you should consult a criminal case lawyer right away.
Even if you’re innocent, it’s not something that someone without any legal expertise can easily navigate.
The repercussions are severe and you could even be deported no matter how long you’ve lived in the US.
Let’s talk about your case. Call us at (713) 229-9992 or leave us a message here.
