Memphis Domestic Violence Up for Holidays
Over Thanksgiving weekend, the Memphis Police received 422 calls for domestic violence incidences. And as this article from the Commercial Appeal points out, that’s just the ones who actually called for help. The holidays are notorious for increased domestic violence incidences, though all signs point to this year being particularly bad.
Last year, police in the city had 25,382 domestic violence incidences. That was up 5% from 2008. This year, officials are estimating there will be more than 30,000, another significant jump. Both assaults and killings are on the rise in domestic cases, perhaps a sign of the failing economy.
There are many things that have been shown to influence the number of domestic violence cases and the holidays are just one of these. While families get together and often imbibe, emotions run high. When you mix in financial hardship, stress seems to skyrocket as do the calls for police assistance.
Last year there were 17 domestic violence related killings. So far this year, there are already 21.
Police state that it isn’t just the numbers that are getting worse but also the severity of the assaults. This article points to one case where a woman was left with a permanent dent in her head because of a beating with a baseball bat.
The Department of Justice estimates 25% of women are beaten or raped by a partner during their adulthood. This is a staggering figure and makes it somewhat understandable why the domestic violence laws are designed to protect the victims.
As a defendant, however, if you are accused of a domestic assault, it can seem like an uphill battle to be treated fairly within the Tennessee courts. You may feel like you are being judged long before your first appearance in court.
Having a criminal defense attorney on your side during this time is crucial. If you are facing charges of domestic assault, contact our offices today for a free consultation on your case. Even if you are guilty of assaulting a loved one, we may be able to get you some help.
There are programs available for both victims and domestic violence perpetrators to understand their violent tendencies and better control them. Contact our offices to discuss the case against you and what your options are.
