Abuse or violence occurring in a household, such as within a marriage or cohabitation, is known as domestic violence. Domestic abuse can occur in both same-sex and heterosexual relationships, affecting individuals of any age. It can take various forms, including physical, verbal, emotional or sexual abuse, and may also involve violence against parents, children or the elderly.
Colorado is one of the states where mandatory arrests are required for domestic violence calls. This means that the police must assess the scene and arrest one of the parties if they suspect domestic abuse has occurred. The mandatory arrest for domestic violence law is intended to diffuse a dangerous situation immediately
Domestic violence offenses
The most frequent offenses that result in accusations of domestic violence include:
- Physical or verbal harassment
- Child abuse
- Physical assault
- Stalking
- Sexual assault
A lack of self-confidence, envy or the need to constantly be in control can fuel the need to exert power over a spouse or loved one.
What to do if you’re accused of domestic violence
Being accused of domestic violence can be seriously damaging to your reputation and livelihood. That’s why it’s important to act quickly when an allegation is leveled. When you’re arrested, stay calm and do not say anything, as it could be detrimental to your case. Remain calm and don’t put up a fight. Take a moment and begin piecing together any evidence that may help your case. For example:
- Are there any witnesses who would support your testimony of innocence?
- Are there any photos from the scene that could help your case?
- Does your accuser keep changing their story?
These are all things that a skilled professional can help you discover. If you have been accused of domestic violence, you should immediately seek assistance with your case.