INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE - Criminal Behavior and Abuse
Some physical and sexual assaults are part of a larger pattern of intimate partner abuse, some physical and sexual assaults are not. Regardless, physical and sexual assaults are criminal acts. It is not uncommon for people to view abuse as a “personal” or “family” matter and not realize that some of the behaviors associated with abuse are criminal acts and are illegal. These acts include but are not limited to:
- Assault – the threat or attempt to strike another, whether successful or not, provided the target is aware of the danger
- Aggravated assault – physically attacking another person which results in serious bodily harm and/or is made with a deadly or dangerous weapon
- Battery – the actual intentional striking of someone with intent to harm
- Child Abuse
- Criminal restraint
- Cruelty to animals
- Destruction of personal property
- Elder Abuse
- Fraud
- Identity theft
- Sexual assault – forced or coerced sex, including rape
- Stalking
- Cyber stalking – using telecommunication technology, such as the internet or e-mail to stalk another person.
- Trespass
These acts are criminal but, according to our definition, they may not be intimate partner abuse. Our definition of partner abuse is “a pattern of abusive tactics to gain power and exert control over the partner”. Therefore, a one-time assault, though illegal, does not fit our definition of intimate partner abuse. Repeated assaults to control the partner are, by our definition, intimate partner abuse.
Be aware that even a one-time assault, physical or sexual, may meet the standard to qualify for a domestic abuse restraining order (209A) in Massachusetts. (See Restraining Orders).
Nearly all intimate partner abuse situations include one or more illegal acts. Pursuing criminal charges against an abusive partner may be an option. Sometimes this option aggravates the situation; sometimes this option can help.
For more information, contact a GMDVP Client Advocate.