Domestic violence is a common phenomenon in societies where patriarchy lingers in personal, social and legal systems (James). In some instances, it is normalized because of societal expectations. Domestic violence is an ongoing issue that does not have effective preventive laws or punishment. Too frequently, offenders are not punished adequately. It is essential for the public to understand the types of domestic violence and how it is currently regarded in the courtroom to see the need for the laws punishing this crime to be reformed and penalties increased in addition to understanding why it is so difficult to prosecute.
While the term seems self-explanatory, domestic violence covers such a broad range of offenses that the public may not …show more content…
Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, kicking, and punching the victim. In most instances, the victim is blamed for the abuse taking place. (“What is Domestic Violence?). Because of patriarchy and the idea that men are in charge, it is assumed that the victim did something to upset the offender. To further explain, it would indicate the the victim was deserving of the abuse if they disobey their male significant other. In domestic violence cases, physical abuse is the most prevalent. According to the Clark County prosecuting attorney, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women to between the ages of fifteen and forty-four in the United States. The number of domestic violence injuries was reported to be higher than car accidents, mugging, and rape numbers combined (“Fast Facts on Domestic Violence”). Annually, three to four million women are beaten in their homes by their male significant others. This number is exceedingly high and unacceptable. Despite its shocking prevalence in American society and even its outward signs of injury, it is notoriously hard to prove in court and therefore hard to punish the …show more content…
In domestic violence cases, photography and videography play an important role in proving a victim’s claim. David L. Swig, an officer with the Morgan Hill Police Department in California, stated that video statements build stronger domestic violence cases for the prosecution. Visual evidence and meant to prove unbiased documentation in addition to being “meant to literally speak for itself and provide an undisputed truth of what happened” (Moore). Universally, lawyers believe in the idea of victimless prosecution. By definition, victimless prosecution is “the belief in the abilities of images to the whole and incontrovertible truth about domestic violence” (Moore). Restated, this belief means that lawyers trust the evidence is more effective than just the victim’s word alone. Lawyers in domestic violence cases are essential for victim advocating and to raise prosecution
While the term seems self-explanatory, domestic violence covers such a broad range of offenses that the public may not …show more content…
Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, kicking, and punching the victim. In most instances, the victim is blamed for the abuse taking place. (“What is Domestic Violence?). Because of patriarchy and the idea that men are in charge, it is assumed that the victim did something to upset the offender. To further explain, it would indicate the the victim was deserving of the abuse if they disobey their male significant other. In domestic violence cases, physical abuse is the most prevalent. According to the Clark County prosecuting attorney, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women to between the ages of fifteen and forty-four in the United States. The number of domestic violence injuries was reported to be higher than car accidents, mugging, and rape numbers combined (“Fast Facts on Domestic Violence”). Annually, three to four million women are beaten in their homes by their male significant others. This number is exceedingly high and unacceptable. Despite its shocking prevalence in American society and even its outward signs of injury, it is notoriously hard to prove in court and therefore hard to punish the …show more content…
In domestic violence cases, photography and videography play an important role in proving a victim’s claim. David L. Swig, an officer with the Morgan Hill Police Department in California, stated that video statements build stronger domestic violence cases for the prosecution. Visual evidence and meant to prove unbiased documentation in addition to being “meant to literally speak for itself and provide an undisputed truth of what happened” (Moore). Universally, lawyers believe in the idea of victimless prosecution. By definition, victimless prosecution is “the belief in the abilities of images to the whole and incontrovertible truth about domestic violence” (Moore). Restated, this belief means that lawyers trust the evidence is more effective than just the victim’s word alone. Lawyers in domestic violence cases are essential for victim advocating and to raise prosecution