While we’re all focused on which team to cheer for, having the best snack combos, or how the halftime show will go, something we should all keep in mind is the increase in domestic violence that will occur on Super Bowl Sunday. According to the Journal of Family Psychology, every year, Super Bowl Sunday sees an increase in domestic violence reports. While there has been no definitive tie between watching the Super Bowl to inflicting abuse, this Sunday’s event does give us pause to highlight the issues surrounding criminal domestic violence and exactly why it occurs.
The state of South Carolina defines criminal domestic violence as inflicting harm, attempting to inflict harm, or threatening to inflict harm on a household member. Criminal domestic violence is considered a misdemeanor in South Carolina, and someone convicted of criminal domestic violence may experience employment loss or resistance from future employers. In addition, a conviction can prohibit an individual from possessing a firearm and have adverse consequences in a divorce action or child custody case.
Violence is a culturally learned behavior. Often, abusers were at one time, victims of abuse or witnessed abuse in their own households. Abusers use violence to maintain control over and get what they desire from a situation or another person.
Domestic violence does not discriminate—it occurs at all class levels, across all races and genders. However, these social components do impact how individuals deal with domestic violence. More affluent people tend to look toward private help such as a criminal defense attorney or mental health professionals, while those with limited financial resources tend to turn to the police or public support agencies. Since researchers can only glean data from public records, it creates a distorted balance of which classes domestic violence is prevalent in.
Criminal domestic violence is cyclical often marked by predictable behavior patterns and decisions. If you start to see or experience the warning signs, we recommend both parties take a step back from the situation to avoid confrontation:
- Tension build-up and communication breakdown
- A trigger occurs that sets off the abuser
- A violent event occurs
- The “honeymoon” period follows. The abuser apologizes, asks forgiveness and both parties make up
- Life returns to “normal” until tensions begin again and the cycle continues
Whether you have been accused of domestic violence or are a victim of domestic violence, the criminal defense and family law attorneys at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey have the experience and qualifications to guide you through your proceedings. Each criminal domestic violence case is unique, so set up a free consultation with our firm. We can walk through your case and what options you have to avoid a conviction and maintain your record or move forward in prosecution. Call our office at 864-523-7738 or request an appointment online.
