Domestic violence in Maryland
Domestic
violence is a vice that continues to be a nuisance to the society. It is
characterized by a repetitive pattern of coercive behavior where one person
maintains control over the other. In most cases, the partners involved in
domestic violence are intimate, and the abuse may be emotional, verbal,
psychological, sexual and to some extent physical. Despite the numerous efforts
by the government, human rights movements and the justice system, the vice has
not been fully uprooted in the society. Contrary to the beliefs of many who
view civilization as a means to end such outdated and violent behavior,
statistics indicate otherwise. It is a sad thing to realize that many lives
have been lost in the name of domestic violence, and this article is meant to
raise your awareness on domestic violence and how it has occurred in the state
of Maryland.
Facts about domestic violence in
Maryland
In the
year, 2014 to 2015, 42 people lost their lives to domestic abuse. Statistics
from the Maryland network against domestic violence further indicate that the
abuse occurs on a daily basis. The vice affects the young and the old, low
income and higher income earners and does not overlook gender as both men and
women are prone to be victims. The Maryland police department indicated that
about 28,000 people reported incidences of domestic violence in 2014. This is
only a fraction of the cases reported and does not account for any projection
of unreported cases. Furthermore, data from the judiciary indicates that the
number of people filing for peace and protective orders is on the rise from
21,000 in 2003 to more than 26,000 in 2014.
What constitutes domestic
violence in Maryland?
Crimes
that occur between household members are termed as domestic abuse. The
occurrence of one or more of the following crimes is regarded as domestic
violence in Maryland. Assault, stalking, rape or sexual offenses, acts that may
cause physical harm, kidnapping and home imprisonment and acts that instill fear.
If you are undergoing any of these challenges, the court can offer a protective
or peace order.
Protective orders
These
are the solution to victims of domestic violence as they guarantee you peace
and relief. The offender is issued the order by a judge to refrain from acting
inhumanely against you once you file for a protective order. You are eligible
to file for these orders against an abusive current or former spouse, relative,
parents or caretakers and any person in an intimate relationship who is abusive.
All you need is to fill the petition for a protective order.
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