What is Domestic Violence?

 Posted on December 22, 2017 in Violent Crimes

Domestic violence is a serious crime that can severely damage relationships with family, friends, significant others, and spouses. If you are convicted of domestic violence, you will face consequences that could destroy your quality of life—you may have a more difficult time obtaining employment, and may not be able to have contact with those whom you love.

Definition of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence occurs when a person knowingly causes bodily harm to any family or household member or makes physical contact of an insulting nature with any family or household member.

When a person is charged with domestic violence, he or she will face a Class A misdemeanor. If the offender has been previously convicted of domestic violence, then he or she will be charged with a Class 4 felony.

If the offender has had at least three prior convictions of domestic violence, then he or she will be charged with a Class 3 felony. If the same person has at least four prior convictions of domestic violence, or if the charges are significantly similar, then he or she will be charged with a Class 2 felony.

Domestic Violence Statistics

Every minute in the United States, as many as 24 people are affected by domestic violence, which can include rape, physical violence, and stalking by a partner. Over 12 million men and women have been affected by some form of domestic violence each year. About 24 percent of women and 13 percent of men aged 18 years old or older have been affected by severe domestic violence by an intimate partner at some time in their life.

Women between the ages of 18 and 34 have experienced the highest rates of domestic violence each year, yet about half of all men and women have experienced psychological aggression by a partner. Every year, nearly four out of five people affected by domestic violence were women.

Call a DuPage County, Illinois Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with domestic violence in Illinois, call Davi Law Group, LLC. Our experienced DuPage County criminal defense lawyers have the knowledge and skills to provide effective legal representation. We will take your matters very seriously and will provide compassionate and personalized information to assist you in working to achieve the best case results possible. To schedule your free initial consultation, please call us today at 630-580-6373 to get the help you deserve.

Sources:

http://www.thehotline.org/resources/statistics/

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K12-3.2