Domestic violence is when someone unlawfully harms or threatens physical harm to another person living in the same household. Because of their inherently scandalous nature, domestic violence accusations can ruin a person’s life and reputation even before a conviction. A disgruntled spouse may wrongfully and intentionally accuse their spouse of domestic violence to gain leverage in a divorce proceeding or seek revenge.
A domestic violence conviction in West Virginia will lead to imprisonment and fines. You could also lose your job and career opportunities. People will look at you negatively and question your character, even if you did nothing wrong. If your partner or someone in your own home is accusing you of domestic violence, you should protect yourself immediately.
Confide in relatives and close friends
Before going public, the person might first threaten you with domestic violence charges. They can use it to manipulate you. Talk to someone about it. Confide in your close friends and relatives to let them know what you are going through and that whatever the accuser says is false. You need all the support you can get, especially if the allegations result in a court case.
Avoid contact with the accuser
Never be alone with the alleged victim, even when they seem genuinely interested in fixing things. Avoid contacting them in any way, whether via email, cell phone or a face-to-face meeting. If it is vital to meet with them, you should have a witness present. The witness should be a competent, impartial adult, and the location should be public or neutral territory. Do not under any circumstances breach any restraining order against you.
Secure financial and social media accounts
The person accusing you of domestic violence might be unstable and could go to great lengths to solidify their narrative. They may have access to your financial and social media accounts and use these avenues to fabricate evidence against you. They can make it appear like you are threatening them on social media. Keep all your information confidential and be extra cautious when using social media in the face of such life-altering allegations.
Gather evidence
False allegations of domestic violence are not always well thought out, particularly because these are lies that facts cannot substantiate. The accuser might claim the last time you assaulted them was on the evening of the 25th of August, but that is impossible because you were at your friend’s birthday party. You have an alibi, and it is the truth. You just need to stick to it.
