Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Domestic violence cases are very difficult ones to resolve, and in many cases, the accused and their victim will be back in court more than once when the alleged abuse repeats itself. One common response by courts to domestic violence charges is to require the defendant to participate in anger management therapy. The challenge with anger management programs, however, is that they often are not effective at preventing a recurrence of the abuse.
Some recent studies suggest that this is because domestic violence is often about more than anger. In many cases, domestic violence is about power and control, with anger being used as one tool to intimidate. The reasons behind the aggressor’s need to control the victim are what the therapy needs to address. Anger is typically a temporary state, while the need or desire to control someone is more of a long-term behavior.
The State of Indiana recognizes the potential importance of batterers’ intervention programs in connection with domestic violence cases. State law provides that the court may require a defendant convicted of domestic battery or another crime that involves “domestic abuse, neglect, or violence” to complete a court-approved batterer’s intervention program.
The program must either be one that is certified by the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence or that meets specific standards set by the state’s Department of Child Services. (The Coalition notes that these programs are now referred to as Abuse Intervention Programs, reflecting the fact that abusers typically use more than physical types of abuse in domestic violence cases.)
If you have been charged with domestic battery or another crime involving abuse, neglect, or violence allegedly committed against a family member, you need the help of an experienced defense attorney, someone who knows the laws, the courts, and the prosecutors. At Razumich & Associates, we understand how difficult it can be to face domestic battery charges. We also know that you have the same rights as any other defendant, and we are ready to fight for those rights on your behalf. We regularly defend clients accused of domestic battery in courts across Indiana, including in the Indianapolis area, and we are here for you when you need an experienced advocate on your side.
If you are facing domestic battery charges, call Razumich & Associates today at 317-938-5333, or fill out our contact form, and we will contact you to schedule a consultation.
