Domestic violence is a serious issue that deserves special attention. That attention understandably centers largely around the people alleged to have been victims of such abuse. However, attention is also deserved to be given to people accused of these acts. As with any criminal charges, an allegation does not automatically prove a person guilty as many circumstances may ultimately affect such a determination.
A recent report from the Violence Policy Center casts a dark light on domestic violence and abuse in Tennessee. The state has been ranked ninth in the nation for the most number of alleged murders of females by males per 100,000 people. The list is based on data from 2014 which shows that 51 out of 53 women who died in Tennessee are said to have been killed by their husbands, ex-husbands, boyfriends or ex-boyfriends. To make matters worse, there has only been one year since 1999 in which Tennessee was not in the top 10 in this list.
Of the 53 deaths, 12 were said to have been perpetrated by blunt force or knives. Guns were involved in the greatest number of the deaths. Some suggest that the state does not provide enough safe places for people affected by or in fear of domestic abuse to go and that this contributes to the high number of deaths attributed to domestic violence.
Many things may factor into the presence of abuse in a relationship. People who have been accused of abusing a spouse or significant other have rights that should be protected just like those who are injured. Talking with an attorney about a domestic violence charge may be a good way to learn those rights.
Source: The Tennessean, “Tennessee, again, ranks high in women killed by men,” Anita Wadhwani, Sept. 20, 2016
