What are Domestic Violence Offences?
Domestic violence offences are prevalent in the community in modern society. It is essential that you get an experienced domestic violence lawyer to defend your case and get the best result for you when charged with violent domestic offences.
Domestic Violence offences are those alleged to have been committed upon someone with whom you have a domestic relationship.
Who falls within ‘domestic relationships’?
A lot of relationships fall within the scope of domestic violence. For example, parent and child relationships are considered domestic violence under the law. The following are examples of domestic relationships;
- Spouses, defactos and other persons in relationships living together
- Any of the above who do not live together, but have done so in the past
- Parent and child
- Siblings
- Cousins
- Friends / share housemates
- Neighbours
- Anyone in a domestic relationship with any of these people, including carers or new partners.
Therefore, any offence alleged to have occurred against them would fall within the ambit of domestic violence. Consequently, it is likely to cause an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order to be taken out by the Police. You can learn more about AVOs here. It is essential for your own best interests to seek out a domestic violence solicitor.
What are Domestic Violence Offences?
There is no specific offence of ‘Domestic Violence’. However, a large variety of offences can fall within the ambit of domestic violence offences, including;
- Stalking
- Intimidation [whether in person or through messages]
- Harassment [whether in person or through messages]
- Deliberately or Recklessly Damaging or Destroying property
- Assault [ whether physical or by way of words]
- Assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm
- Wounding or causing Grievous Bodily Harm
- Manslaughter / Murder
Victims of Domestic Violence Offences
The interests of alleged victims are taken care of by the NSW Police. However, in some circumstances there may be a need for a domestic violence victim lawyer, if their interests are not properly considered.
What are the Consequences of Domestic Violence offences?
If you are convicted of a domestic violence offence, there can be serious and ongoing implications. Often, having a conviction for a domestic violence related offence can cause individuals to lose their jobs, fail a Police Check or prohibit them from entering their chosen career. This can occur even where the offence alleged is not one of violence.
Allegations of Domestic Violence are taking very seriously by the Courts, especially given that the number of cases reported is much less than what actually occurs.
However, in some circumstances, allegations can be taken to the Police which are not true. This is done in a vindictive manner to cause trouble for another individual, either during or after a breakup or to cause them difficulty obtaining a certain job. This often occurs during family law proceedings where one party alleges a Domestic Violence offence against the other in an attempt to get the Family Law Court to side with them.
If you have been charged with a Domestic Violence offence you need a skilled and knowledgeable domestic violence lawyer representing yourself. It is essential to clear your name, and get the best result so that there are no ongoing implications for your future. Book your free consultation with our experienced lawyers immediately.
