A new study on gender-related homicides of women and girls was just released by the United Nations. The study found that more than half of women killed across the world in 2017 were killed by intimate partners or family members. In fact, of the 87,000 women murdered worldwide in 2017, 58%, or 50,000 women, were killed by a partner or family member. These numbers are a substantial increase from the 2012 study conducted by the U.N. which revealed numbers that were 10 percent lower than the most recent study. Throughout the world, a shocking 82% of homicide victims targeted by intimate partners are women. Women in Africa and the Americas are at the greatest risk of being killed by family members or intimate partners.

Intimate partner violence can happen to anyone regardless of economic status, class, race, or education level. Domestic violence survivors have stated that they didn't realize what was happening at first and that if they were asked at the time if they thought they were “battered women,” they would have responded, “No, I'm not. I'm a strong, smart, independent woman who's in love with a troubled man.” Many survivors of domestic violence also reported that they were ashamed with themselves and thought it was their fault when they were hit or beaten. Domestic violence is a worldwide epidemic and experts see no indication of improvement in the near future.

Domestic Violence in Washington

Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in Washington and can often be rather tricky as domestic violence can encompass several other charges. In Washington, domestic violence is defined as:

• “Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members;
• Sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or
• Stalking of one family or household member by another family or household member.”

A domestic violence charge is especially problematic where divorce and custody battles are concerned. Washington courts take a very strong stance against domestic violence in child custody battles. Not only may this have an effect on your potential custody of your children, but it could also lead to supervised visitation or no visitation at all because the court believes:

• “Domestic violence is learned behavior;
• Domestic violence typically involves controlling behavior encompassing different types of abuse;
• It is the perpetrator, not substance abuse, not the victim, not the relationship that causes domestic violence;
• Danger to the victim and children is likely to increase at the time of separation; and
• The victim's behavior is often a way of ensuring survival.”

Contact a Seattle Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with any domestic violence charge, it is imperative that you contact a domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Steve Karimi understands the penalties you may face and how it could affect your parental rights. Mr. Karimi is an experienced and dedicated domestic violence defense lawyer who will help you get the results you want. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.