October is domestic violence month; a month set aside to raise awareness of domestic violence and to commemorate its victims. The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita held its 4th Annual Purple Walk of Strength this month, an event in which over 200 people showed up to raise money for the center and support victims. The Center sees over 1,500 people a year, including men, women and children, and in the past year alone, there have been 7 domestic violence-related homicides in Santa Clarita.

Domestic violence comes in many forms, and therefore, in California, it is covered under many laws, including misdemeanor and felony offenses. One of the more common domestic violence offenses out there is California Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC, known as “domestic battery.” Domestic battery occurs when someone unlawfully touches a current or former spouse, cohabitant, fiance(e), dating partner or the parent of the defendant’s child.

The victim does not have to sustain injury in order for a defendant to be convicted of violating PC 243(e)(1). It becomes a punishable crime to simply use force or violence against any of the above mentioned people, regardless of whether or not the person was actually physically harmed. This means that a person can be charged with a crime for pushing or grabbing their significant other without leaving a mark or even causing pain.

California Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC is a misdemeanor, and includes the possible penalties of up to 1-year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

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