Victims of domestic violence endure pain, trauma, and fear, which is why Connecticut has stringent rules to protect them and ensure the perpetrators face punishment.
Domestic violence cases tend to pose unique issues that can complicate the prosecution process. “These challenges stem from the often close relationship between the alleged abuser and their victim,” says domestic violence attorney Mark Sherman.
In this article, we will review the definition and penalties of domestic violence under Connecticut law and help victims understand what they can do to get protection from an abuser.
What is Domestic Violence?
“Domestic violence” is an umbrella term for threats or acts of violence between people in a special kind of relationship. These include married partners, individuals who are dating, and people who are living together, who may or may not share offspring but have some kinship ties.
Under Connecticut law, domestic violence covers several behaviors against the defendant’s spouse, an adult the defendant lives or used to live with, or the parent of the defendant’s child. They include:
- A continuous threat or infliction of physical pain against the victim
- Stalking
- Sexual assault
- Intentionally impairing a physical condition
- Coercive control of the victim
It’s important to expand on the definition of coercive control since it’s one of the most common forms of domestic violence. In simple terms, coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviors that abusers use to dominate victims. They may include:
- Controlling their money
- Using abusive language
- Isolating them from family and friends
- Constantly monitoring their communications
- Threatening to report them to immigration authorities or other agencies
The Penalties of Domestic Violence
For the most part, penalties depend on the severity of the crime and whether the defendant has a criminal history. However, state prosecutors usually advocate for harsher penalties for domestic violence perpetrators because they take advantage of their victim’s trust and confidence.
For example, a prosecutor may argue for more jail time for a husband who assaults his wife, whereas the same may not necessarily apply for a person who commits a similar assault against a stranger on the street.
At the same time, domestic violence sentences typically have special protections for the victims, such as a restraining order barring the perpetrator from ever contacting them.
The Unique Challenge of Domestic Violence Cases
Most victims of domestic violence fail to report such incidents; they hope it is a one-time event that won’t happen again. Sometimes, the victim may also be afraid that going to the cops will further antagonize the abuser, leading to even more violence.
Take the case of a mother reliant on their husband as the sole breadwinner of the family. She may fear that getting the cops involved will cut off the financial support that is essential for the kids.
These are all understandable reactions, but at the same time, they are the reasons why most domestic violence cases go unreported for a long time.
For the victims that do report their cases, a unique challenge can arise during trial when they refuse to testify against their abuser in open court. The statements victims give to the police when reporting the incident often can’t be used as evidence because the defendant has a constitutional right to confront and co-examine their accusers in court.
Help for Domestic Violence Victims
If you are a victim of domestic violence, one of the first things you should do to protect yourself is acquire a restraining order.
After calling 911, police can get an emergency restraining order from on-call judges available after court hours. If the perpetrator violates the terms of the restraining order, they can be charged with a crime.
Final Thoughts
Domestic violence leaves lasting effects that extend well beyond a single incident, often shaping a victim’s sense of safety, stability, and independence. Understanding the legal landscape can empower victims to take informed steps toward protection and accountability. With the right support and resources, it is possible to break the cycle of abuse and begin rebuilding a life free from fear.
