The Impact of Domestic Violence Part 2: The Family and Their Community

Attorney Ross Goodman

520 S 4th St,

Las Vegas, NV 89101

Phone: (702) 383 – 5088

Fax: (702) 385 – 5088

In our previous article, we've talked about the effects of Domestic Violence on the victim, the children and the accused. Let us now discuss the effects of Domestic Violence to the family and the community:

Family

Domestic violence has a serious effect on the whole family as well. Here are a few examples:

• Family conflict – Families who experience domestic violence can lose the “bond” that they share. They might grow apart from each other, feel uncomfortable with each other, and can lose the “love” that they once shared. Couples usually end up in a divorce.

• Financial constraint – if both parents are working, the family income may be split in half. There is a great chance that the victim will shoulder the household expenses. If the victim's income will not be enough to support the whole family. The victim could end up borrowing money or applying for a loan. This often also leads to bankruptcy especially if the family has a lot of members.

• Involvement of local authorities – Protection orders can have a negative effect on the family. The children may feel intimidated by the presence of the police. The family as a whole can lose their privacy.

Community

• Bad advertisement – Any negative statistic impacts the community. If there is a high case of drug and alcohol use, the community can lose their real estate value. It can turn-away possible homeowners and investors.

• Crime rates – Children who grew up in a violent home may suffer from many behavioral problems such as poor social development, depression, anger, and anxiety. They are prone to join gangs, groups or clubs. They can also be involved in drugs, robberies, and sexual crimes.

• Healthcare cost – According to study, victims of domestic violence are paying 92% more on health care plans, due to frequent medications and medical consultations. The study is based on domestic violence victims vs random samples. 

• Economic cost – Poor job performance in relation to domestic violence is costly. Companies report that costs can reach to hundreds of millions every year. Poor performance can also lead to unemployment. Unemployment can lead to lesser tax for the local government and there will be an increase in subsidy.

Domestic violence should be taken seriously. It has a great impact to the family and the community.

If you know someone who is accused of domestic violence, contact a domestic abuse attorney in Las Vegas. Ross Goodman has extensive experience with domestic violence cases in Las Vegas, Nevada. Call Goodman Law Group at (702) 383 – 5088 for a free consultation.

The Impact of Domestic Violence Part 1: The Accused, the Victim and the Child

Domestic Violence Las Vegas Nevada: The Accused, the Victim and the Child

Domestic violence can cause short-term and long-term effects. It can affect the person physically and emotionally. Some victims may lose their jobs because of the frequent absences from work. Some can end up having a financial constraint because of medication, while others can experience a mental breakdown. The state of Nevada is constantly at work to fight Domestic violence. The state has run a series of Domestic Violence awareness campaigns, and came up with several punishments for domestic violence offenders. Defending the charges might be difficult, but it is possible.

If you know someone who is charged with domestic violence, it is of utmost importance for him to get in touch with a domestic abuse attorney.  The attorney can provide legal advice that can help with the case.

In this article, we will talk about the effects of Domestic Violence to the victim, the children, and to the offender.

Victims

• Fear, depression and suicidal thoughts – victims of domestic violence may live in a constant state of fear. They can be hard to comfort, talk to, and may have a severe impact on their job performance. There are cases when the victim tries to kill themselves out of frustration and anxiety.
• Anger – some of the victims cannot release their anger toward the offender.  The anger can be directed on someone else. It can be with their children, other members of the family, co-workers, etc.
• Financial Instability – In relation with fear and depression, victims may end up losing their job due to poor performance or frequent absences. They can also run out of funds because of medication or hospitalization.
• Having a split personality – Victims may show signs of having a split-personality. The victim can be lively and cheerful outside the home, but grumpy and depressed inside.
• Use of drugs or being alcoholic – victims may end up using controlled substance and alcohol to relieve the pain, depression or stress.

Image in courtesy of mocosheriff.com

Children

· Violent tendencies – Children who witness domestic violence are prone to commit domestic violence in the future as well.

· Feeling of guilt, hurt, shame, and fear – Children may feel guilty if they see their parents fighting. They may fear their parents and be wary of them. They can also be shameful of their current family situation and avoid contact with other people.

· They possess a great risk of becoming an alcoholic and a drug abuser. Children who do not have someone to turn-to may end up using alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drug consumption can be difficult to control when it becomes an addiction.

· It can affect their relationship with friends. They may avoid their friends totally because of fear of getting bullied or hearing bad comments and reactions about his/her family or parents. There are cases where the children themselves are the one responsible for the bullying.

Children who witness domestic violence should get the support they need. They need someone that they can talk to. They must receive proper counselling to minimize the effecst of domestic violence.

The Accused

· The accused may carry the burden (feeling of guilt) for a long period of time. Cases may vary depending on the person. There are people who are emotionally strong and may show no signs of effect.

· If a relationship ends because of domestic violence and if the offender has been proven guilty of domestic violence, it will be hard for him to get into another relationship. The record will be with the accused for a lifetime. His future partner will have access to that information one way or the other.

· Minimal future employment (especially for third time offenders) – domestic violence is a criminal offense. Those who are proven guilty will have the record permanently stamped on their profile. There are companies who have strict regulations when it comes to employment, especially for office positions.