California recognizes verbal abuse as a type of domestic violence. Verbal abuse involves using one's words as a weapon, whether that's in the form of name-calling or giving the silent treatment. There are a lot of ways that someone can verbally abuse you. Examples of...
Domestic Violence
Supporting parents wrongly accused of child abuse
Being falsely accused of child abuse is a distressing and life-altering experience for any California parent. The repercussions can be devastating, affecting not only the parent's emotional well-being but also their relationship with their child, their employment and...
Child custody decisions and domestic violence
California family court judges must promote the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. These best interests normally include maintaining a child's relationship with both parents. This process becomes more complicated when domestic violence...
The seriousness of domestic violence
To many people, domestic violence refers to spousal abuse, but the term can also refer to the abuse of elders, children and other household members. Case studies of domestic abusers reveal the many different ways violence manifests. Persons accused of domestic...
Emotional abuse and its signs
Whether you're in a relationship with a significant other in California or you're struggling with family members and friends, one type of abuse that can sometimes be difficult to understand is emotional. This type of abuse might or might not involve physical actions...
How do you know if someone is going through abuse?
Knowing the warning signs of domestic violence could help you notice when a loved one is going through abuse. California has laws to protect people from all types of domestic abuse, including financial, emotional and physical. Changes in mood An unusual change in your...
How does the cycle of violence affect victims and perpetrators in California?
In California and the rest of the nation, the cycle of violence is a repeating pattern of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in which the abuser feels a need to control or dominate the victim. This need for control often stems from the abuser's insecurity and...
Abusive marriage: Divorce talk with your kids in California
If you are in an abusive relationship, it is important to have a game plan for how you will talk to your kids about your divorce in California. Of course, your conversation will need to be age-appropriate and must also factor in the element of abuse in your...
The impact of domestic abuse
Around one-third of California women and men are physically assaulted by an intimate partner each year, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. However, domestic abuse can involve more than just physical violence. Perpetrators may also use...
When is trouble in your relationship domestic violence?
Domestic violence may occur in many different ways in California. Abuse is detrimental to a person, whether it's physical, emotional, sexual or financial. It's a good idea to learn about what counts as domestic violence to spot it early on and protect yourself....