Difference Between Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence?

 Posted on December 29, 2017 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and sexual violence is often perceived to be interchangeable. Sexual violence can occur by an otherwise trusted family member, spouse, or significant other at home. However, domestic violence and sexual violence are very distinct with different consequences.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is defined as the occurrence of when a partner or family member abuses another person physically, emotionally, financially, or sexually. The violence may occur only once, but is normally behavior that is repeated.

What Is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is defined as the occurrence of when a person is sexually abused. Many different forms of sexual violence include, but are certainly not limited to, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, prostitution, genital mutilation, and rape. Like domestic violence, sexual violence may also occur in a single incident or may be repeated over time.

Consequences of Domestic Violence

If a person is convicted of domestic violence, then an order of protection may be placed against him or her. The order will include a notice in print that, if the offender violates the order of protection, then he or she will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If the offender violates an order of protection regarding legal custody, then he or she may be charged with a Class 4 felony. Any intentional violation of any order is considered contempt in court and may result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.

Consequences of Sexual Violence

Criminal sexual violence counts as a Class A misdemeanor. If the offender commits sexual violence by the use of force or the threat of force, or if sexual violence is committed when the offender knows that the person affected cannot understand the nature of the act, then he or she will be charged with a Class 4 felony. If the person repeats this offense, then a Class 2 felony will be charged against him or her.

Contact a Chicago Sexual Violence Defense Lawyer

Being charged with domestic violence and sexual violence is serious. If you have been accused of either type of violence, then you need legal representation, as the conviction may cause you to lose your family and other loved ones, as well as your quality of life. At the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand how being charged with sexual violence can destroy your life, so we will effectively fight for your rights. For a free initial consultation, please call a Chicago criminal defense attorney at 312-629-0669 for effective legal representation.

Sources:

http://solacewomensaid.org/get-help/what-is-domestic-sexual-violence/

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000600HArt%2E+II&ActID=2100&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=500000&SeqEnd=4200000

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K11-1.50