Classes and Additional Resources Dealing with Infliction of Injury

California is one of the strictest states in the nation when it comes to punishing domestic abuse offenders. The consequences of an infliction of injury conviction are severe and life-changing. A first-time offender with no aggravating circumstances can face up to four years in prison and up to $6,000 in fines, and an individual with prior convictionsor with aggravating circumstances can face up to nine years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

In an effort to try to put an end to the violence, there are many programs throughout the state that offer services to educate both the victims and abusers involved in these intense, volatile relationships. The services are provided for people of all income levels, so it is always possible to find programs that are affordable. If interested in pursuing self-help or if looking to help another, a caring criminal defense lawyer can be a great place to start, as he or she will have these types of resources and referrals right at his or her fingertips.

Counseling for those affected by domestic violence is available to not only help the abuser deal with anger management and violence issues but exists to help empower victims of intimate partner abuse as well. With respect to abusers, the goal of counseling is to help them learn to walk away from potentially explosive situations without resorting to violence. Services for the victim frequently include private or group therapy, vocational training, and lessons on how a victim can safely flee from a violent partner. The goal of this therapy is to empower the victim to leave an abusive relationship behind in order to secure his or her safety.

For the abuser, there are batterer's classes that are structured courses designed to stop the use of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse to gain or maintain control over a partner. California has more than 450 court-approved programs and many others for those seeking help before the courts are forced to intervene. Domestic violence statistics reveal that drugs and/or alcohol often accompnay violent incidents and there are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings which are free of charge and are held throughout the state for the abuser who needs this type of help as well. Long-term, live-in facilities also exist for the individual who requires more intense drug or alcohol counseling.

For the victim, there are emergency shelters that are set up throughout the state that will allow a victim and his or her children to take temporary residence while keeping their identity confidential. The locations of these shelters are kept a secret from everyone except those professionals who would need to be "in the know" to help further protect the residents. There are also many government financial assistance programs available to help the victim and his or her family get back on their feet.

Individuals affected by infliction of injury, also commonly called "spousal abuse" or "spousal battery," can take comfort in knowing that help is available. All of the above services are provided in numerous languages and to people of every economic, ethnic and religious background.

Services exist that are geared towards both victims and abusers who are either men or women and who are heterosexual or homosexual. SAFE (Stop Abuse For Everyone) is an excellent resource, as it breaks down many categories of victims and abusers and then lists several of the state's programs under each. In addition, the compassionate and trustworthy attorneys at The Kavinoky Law Firm can help refer individuals to a variety of services that will meet their needs. For questions about infliction of injury, or about classes and resources available to those affected by it, please click here for a free consultation.