Is It Considered Domestic Violence If He Threatened Me With a Knife?

What Is Domestic Violence

Domestic violence goes by multiple different names and they are domestic abuse or family violence. When an individual or in some cases a group of individuals are inflicting violence or abuse on another person or persons in a domestic setting this the official definition of domestic violence. The most common form of domestic violence occurs when men are physically and mentally abusive towards women when they are married or cohabitating. There are a few cases where men are the victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence can occur in heterosexual relationships and also in same-sex relationships. Domestic violence can be in a number of different forms such as verbal abuse, economic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Domestic violence could also be perpetrated against parents, the elderly, and children.

Is A Threat A Form Of Domestic Violence

Most individuals who are not medical professionals or emergency responders do not realize that domestic violence does not always leave a physical mark such as a bruise. In fact, in most cases of domestic violence, it initially starts with signs and symptoms that are not so easily recognized by friends, teachers, family members, or coworkers. Many perpetrators of domestic violence perform these acts behind closed doors in the privacy of their own homes. So unless you are present when the act occurs outside individuals have no clue what is truly going on. Another important factor that individuals should know about domestic violence is that if you are threatened by the perpetrator with a gun or a knife this is still an act of domestic violence. The perpetrator does not have to physically harm you in order to be breaking the law all they actually have to do is make you feel threatened. What makes an individual’s behavior to be considered domestic violence is not just the physical aspect but it is the pattern of the abuse. This pattern of abuse is usually used to gain control over another individual.

How Can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Help a Victim

In most cases, many victims of domestic violence have things that are keeping them in the dysfunctional relationship. These things are usually children, fear, or a lack of resources. If a victim is experiencing any of these factors and feels that they cannot escape the abuse they should definitely consider contacting and retaining a domestic violence attorney. The attorney can help put things in place that can stop the abuse and help to make the transition to escaping the relationship go smoother. Here are a few things that an attorney that specializes in domestic violence can do to assist the victim. They can get a restraining order against the perpetrator. They can assist the victim in filing a domestic violence lawsuit or help to file for divorce. The attorney can also assist the victim in gaining full custody of their children.