For many Americans, domestic violence charges can virtually ruin their life, even if they are not guilty. From arrest to a damaged reputation and criminal record, there are many reasons why accusations of family violence often spell disaster. Domestic violence convictions often carry other serious consequences as well, such as jail time and broken relationships with children and other relatives. As a result, in Stamford, and across Connecticut, it is important for those who are facing allegations of domestic violence to comprehensively evaluate their situation.
A fact sheet is published on the United States Census Bureau’s website which provides various domestic violence statistics. According to the material, 13 percent of domestic violence incidents in 2013 involved offenders who had a weapon. Additionally, a majority of domestic violence incidents were reported to authorities, according to the results of a survey conducted between 1993 and 2013. Furthermore, while some people may think that domestic violence is on the rise, statistics actually show that domestic violence declined by 67 percent in 2013 when compared to 1994.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics also provides additional material concerning domestic violence on their site. In 1994, the BJS reports that 9.8 out of every 1,000 individuals who were age 12 or older experienced intimate partner violence. In 2010, this rate dropped to 3.6 out of every 1,000 individuals ages 12 and older, marking a significant decrease in the number of people subjected to intimate partner violence. Although the number of domestic violence cases has decreased in recent years, family violence remains a serious issue and a conviction may carry tremendously harsh penalties.
