One Dallas man was arrested and police were searching for another after responded to two separate incidents of alleged domestic violence on one recent night.
In one alleged domestic violence incident, a 25-year-old man was arrested on a charge of unlawful restraint, after police said he physically held down his girlfriend after a fight, and then prevented her from leaving the apartment later. In a separate incident, police said an 18-year-old man threated to kill his girlfriend with a gun. He instructed her to kneel on the ground, and then he fired four shots into the ground, police said. As of this writing, he had not yet been arrested.
Domestic abuse and domestic violence is a major health concern in the United States. Domestic abuse is a pattern of violent or abusive behavior in a relationship by one partner in order to control the other. Victims of domestic abuse are often women – spouses and girlfriends – though anyone can be a victim, including men, children, roommates and even parents.
Victims of domestic violence have many resources available to them, though recognizing that someone is a victim may be the first and most useful step. Many national and local hotlines exist and are available by phone and online-for both victims and abusers. Additionally, in many areas, there are local shelters and groups that assist victims and families. Victims can also seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) or emergency protective order through the courts.
However, it’s important to remember that those who are accused of domestic violence are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. They are entitled to a strong defense.
Still, even before domestic charges go to trial, the accusations can harm a person’s reputation and legal rights, such as child custody rights. It’s important for those accused to get the help they need as soon as possible to begin repairing the damage.
Source: crimeblog.dallasnews.com, “One Dallas man arrested, another at large in separate attacks on their girlfriends,” Eric Sheffield, April 8, 2013