Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects thousands of people each year in the Chicago area. It is a crime that comes with hefty fines and lengthy probation or jail time. When you are involved in a relationship that could wind up ending in a domestic violence incident and charges, you need to know what the common causes might be. The following will outline the causes of domestic violence so you are aware of your actions and prepared for what is to come if ever charged with this crime.
Control
One of the most common causes of domestic violence is that of control. When one person in a relationship needs to have control of the other, it can wind up leading to domestic violence. Control can include needing to know the whereabouts of the other person, whom they talk to, whom they are allowed to hang out with, where they can go after work, and so much more. Abusers often feel a need to control the other person due to low self-esteem, issues with jealousy, feelings of inferiority, problems with anger, and many other emotional issues.
Childhood Experience
The childhood experience of the abuser could be a cause of domestic violence. Children are very impressionable and if they grew up around parents or other family members who were controlling or abusive to each other, it could rub off on them later in life. These abusers might not realize what they are doing is wrong since they saw it so often at a young age. It is possible that the person believes violence is the only way to maintain some form of control within a family.
Financial Circumstances
It is not uncommon for domestic violence cases to stem from financial circumstances of a family. Money is one of the leading causes of divorce, which is why it could also lead to arguments that result in violence among spouses, significant others, or dating couples. Financial issues that can lead to domestic violence include loss of a job, unsuccessful job searches, high credit card debt, and unpaid taxes.
Life Changes
Life changes can also be a leading cause of domestic violence. Someone who commits domestic violence when their partner or spouse goes through a life change, such as an illness, pregnancy, or menopause, might feel left out or neglected by their partner or spouse. By committing domestic violence, the abuser does so in an effort to regain control of the situation. Other life changes include divorce, too. Domestic violence can still occur even after a couple gets divorced.
Sense of Entitlement
A sense of entitlement is yet another cause of domestic violence. Some people are still under the thinking that women are beneath men and that men are entitled to control the relationship. Even though this is not how things are done in today’s world, some people simply feel entitled to control their spouses, partners, or loved ones no matter the cost.
Believing They can Get Away With it
Others commit domestic violence because they believe that they can get away with it. They think that their victim will not report them, call the police, tell family members, or do anything else that would be a consequence to the abuser.
Are you facing a charge of domestic violence in Chicago? It is important that you build a strong defense to the charge with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact the office of David Freidberg at 312-560-7100 to schedule an appointment about your case today. The sooner you hire a defense attorney, the sooner you can begin the defense of the charges filed against you.
(image courtesy of Ben White)
