what road blocks keeppolice and courts from effectively controlling domestic violence?
116819
There are several. Here's a list of a few:\n1. Invasion of privacy. Often people claim that doing such invades their privacy and is unconstitutional.\n2. Freedom of Religion. Some religions allow the husband to beat the wife, and even set forth guidelines for how and when.\n3. Women's Fears. Women often recant. They claim that they were wrong and drop charges, etc. Usually they do so out of fear.\n4. Restraining Orders are WORTHLESS. It is only a piece of paper and the punishment for breaking one is close to nothing. Unfortunately the victim often ends up debilitated or dead.\n5. People have not passed effective legislation to punish violence.\n6. Legal Precedent. Judges must interpret the laws and consider legal precedent. A "radical" decision is easily contested by arguing precedent.\n\nThese are only a few problems. Many many more exist.
1012002
You can't, California changed the law on domestic violence in 1991 I believe.  They made is a felony, and they made it easier for an officer to make the charges without a complaint by a victim.  I was an officer at the time; and the rule was if you saw an evidence of the violence ( a bruse, a cut, scratch what ever ) you could charge the other person with domestic violence and the victim wouldn't have to do or say anything.  As such the victim can't drop the charge - its not made by them - its made by the arresting officer.
1058111
well...not being a woman, you really can't answer what you would do.  \n\nWomen stay for so many reasons........they can't make it on their own, they are scared, they have low self esteem, they want to be loved......and no being beaten isn't love but try telling some woman who is beaten and then he comes and tells her he is so sorry and that he loves her so much that she isn't loved.\n\nThere are just so many reasons.......what I want to know is why some men think they need to beat a woman to feel powerful?  \n\nGreat question....and I hope it isn't inspired by someone you know being beaten.....if it is.....do her a favor and call the police.  If the OJ case did one thing for us, it's that the police take domestic violence seriously now.
190356
Contact a domestic violence center and discuss your situation with them.  They usually have services that could assist you.  Some courts have family violence prevention centers, check with your court.
371788
lawyers dont take domestic violence cases pro bono.\n\nyou better start talkin to a lawyer quick\ncuz DV cases dont go away..
881007
AVO - Apprehended Violence Order. Even if she has never physically abused your or your partner what she is doing is still harrassment! Speak to your local police about how to obtain an AVO. Then have a paternity test and have her out of your lives completely. Its annoying but try changing all your numbers and make sure she cant get them.
565826
Options:\n\nCall local law enforcement.\nCall a lawyer.\nCall a womens shelter/womens rights advocate.\nCall a domectic violence hotline.\n\nDon't know how bad it is but if they are living together she should probably arrange a place to stay before doing this.  If the guy gets wind of it she may be in harms way again.\n\nA Domestic Violence Protection Order will also help her get things in order and him ordered to stay away or go to jail.
828347
Actually, the police are required to make a reasonable effort to serve the warrant at the address recorded on the warrant and within the amount of time prescribed by law (often one year).  This effort may consist of nothing more than knocking on the door receiving no answer, and leaving.  This process is called "due diligence" and is required to keept the warrant active and valid.\n\nOnce due diligence has been performed, and unless the wanted person has warrants for crimes of violence, presents a threat to the community, etc., it is unlikely that any additional efforts will be made to serve the warrant.  Where I work, we all know that the people who don't take car e of their cases and end up with warrants will eventually turn up and get arrested.
227885
I disagree with the person who says domestic violence is the "obvious" answer. I think it's the ultimate answer. People who feel trapped in this kind of relationship are being controlled and there is little joy in their marriage. I deal with this issue in my work, and I'd say along with drug/alcohol addictions this is at the top of the list. Domestic violence would include physical, sexual and verbal/emotional abuse.\n\nOther than these, I'd include a lack of intimacy (not sex as much as intimacy), having incompatible values (moral, spiritual, financial, child rearing, etc.), or a lack of commitment (which would include things like infidelity or excessive flirtations).
438349
Well, it would be nice if you told us what these things are, because without knowing what he's saying, how would anybody know if they are considered a crime or a threat?\n\nAlso need to know what state you're in, since laws differ from state to state.\n\nChances are, at least here in California, cruel and demeaning things would not qualify as domestic abuse.  But again, it's impossible for anyone to tell you specifically without knowing what's being said and where you are.\n\nEDIT 4.27.06\n\nYou still didn't say what state you're in.  Based on the additional information you posted tonight, if you were in California, poking you in the chest with his fingers would be a crime, and possibly telling you he was going to throw you out a window would be a crime.\n\nThe thing is, whether these things are crimes or not is not really the issue.  The issue is that your husband is abusing you in one or more forms.  You've also added tonight that you have children, so you're not the only victim here.  He may not touch the children, but he (and you, I'm sorry to say) are exposing the children to domestic abuse...I won't go into all the studies that have been done on children who are exposed to the kinds of stuff you're talking about but trust me, it will screw a kid up.  For that reason, California Child Protective agencies have started removing children from homes where domestic abuse is taking place, even if the children are not directly victims.\n\nI've seen a lot of domestic violence cases...more than would fill a lifetime.  And the things they all have in common is that they start out small, get gradually bigger, and eventually will end up in your death if something does not change.  I'm guessing he does these things, then apologizes, then things are fine for a while, then it happens again?  And when it happens again, it's maybe just a little bit worse...he calls you worse names, pushes you just a little more, etc?  Domestic violence has a really predictable cycle and I just described it for you.   \n\nGet out.  Do not wait, do not assume he will get better, do not think you can't make it (of course, he obviously wants you to think that, because then you won't leave and he will continue to have a victim), do not expose yourself and your children to this man any longer than it takes to pack.  I guarantee there is a domestic violence organization somewhere near you that will be more than willing to help you...800-799-SAFE is a start.\n\nI *promise* you...if something does not make him change, he will not.  People don't change without some reason, and you staying there is not going to be the reason.
83316
Probably yes.  After completion of anger control, domestic violence counseling, and any jail time.  \n\nBut if mom can show that ex is a threat to kids, she can take out a restraining order against him.  \n\nIf ex can convince the judge that he's changed, he is sorry for what he did, and still genuinely care and love the kids, he may be able to get supervised visitation rights.
94554
As long as you still have the marks, make a police report! This man (for lack of a better word) is trying to control you, and sounds like he has succeeded up to this point! Don't be afraid of him, because you can be protected!! You don't have to put up with abuse from anyone! If he's into crack and has another woman, you should just hold your head high, and walk away from a bad situation. It'll only get worse if you let it! When you make your police report, you can also request a restraining order. In my town, you'd be directed to contact Victims Assistance, and they will have the restraining order for you as quickly as tomorrow! Don't let him get away with anything! He needs to be locked up! Good luck to you! :)
350361
A woman can be punished by custodial sentence in the exact same way a man can although it will depend entirely on the circumstances leading up to the alleged assault. If it can be proved that the woman was abused prior to the attack than this would provide justifiable motive the problem is you need witness's to verify they saw the "abuse" take place, and remember also that the man must provide two points of law i.e.witness testimony, camera evidence, DNA evidence, in order to secure a conviction. failure on his part to provide such evidence will allow for "reasonable doubt" to be placed on the original case go and see a decent Criminal Solicitor and he will explain it better to you as he will be able to check witness statements and prepare you better for the impending court date Good luck.
755800
http://www.glennsacks.com/4_feminists_myths.htm\n\nThis one looked pretty interesting.  I ran a Yahoo search under female initiated domestic violence, and got several bibliographies as well.  You may want to check them out.\n\nThe reality is that the majority of domestic violence against men by their female partners has been underreported until very recently.  Think about it.  If you were a guy, would you want the world to know that your wife beats you up?\n\nIt's also important to bear in mind, even though this question deals with domestic violence, that there are many other forms of abuse, such as mental and emotional abuse, that are more common among femal aggressors than male.  This also tips the stereotypical scales.
158149
Here are some websites that should help you.  The issue is a very complex one, and a serious problem in our society.  Battered women often believe that the violence is their fault.  \n\nThere are many perspectives on the issue.  Battered wife syndrome has been effectively used as a defence in murder cases leading to reduced sentences.\n\nYOu really need to do some reading to get the whole picture.  I have attached several websites that should help you.
1128402
Oh man, this one is tough!  I have told numerous women to get out of their homes, like right now, in situations like this.  I want to go and kick their heads in for what they do to their wives/girlfriends.  They need to go to jail and they need to be sentenced for each case of abuse and have the prison time set up so it doesn't run concurrent.  These guys need to be in there for a long time.  I would also like to have the prison population know what they are in for too.   I also like the idea of giving the wife free reign on the jerk before they send him away.  Abuse like that or raping your spouse needs some harsh penalties.  I hate them...they are bound to kill someone.  Every 3 minutes in America, a woman is killed by their partner.  I heard this on the news last week.  It is staggering and scary.  These women need to get out and seek help before it is too late.  Good question!
234558
Once again, it all depends on what state you are in. But, for a simple example, let's say you go over to someone's house. After a while, you want to leave, but the home owner won't let you leave the house. It can be as simple as that.\n\nThis comes up a lot in domestice violence cases. Being restrained, blocking the doors with your body so the victim can't leave, pinning someone to a bed; these can all be false imprisonment. It can even go as far as putting enough fear into someone so that they feel that they can't leave. \n\nPlease give us more details so we can help.