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Family Harmony
In the United States, there are very
strict laws regarding family disputes which can cause children to be
removed from the home, spouses to be put in jail, or deportation, even
if the victims refuses to testify.
Child Abuse: Child abuse is
defined as the physical injury of a child by any parent, custodian,
household or family member, under circumstances that indicate that the
child’s health or welfare is significantly harmed or at risk of being
significantly harmed; or sexual abuse of a child whether physical
injuries are sustained or not.
Sexual abuse includes any act that
involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a child, and includes:
fondling (unwanted touching), incest, rape, or sexual offense in any degree, sodomy, and
unnatural or perverted sexual practices.
Child Neglect: is defined as the
failure to give proper care and attention to a child including leaving a
child unattended, by the child’s parents, guardian, or custodian under
circumstances that indicate that the child’s health or welfare is
significantly harmed or placed at risk of significant harm.
Domestic Violence: Domestic
Violence or family violence is the abuse of power or control. It is
behavior used by one person to control another through force or threats.
A batterer makes a choice to strike, hit, kick, punch or threaten the
victim. Domestic violence includes physical and sexual attacks and
threats. These violent acts are criminal and the batterer can be
prosecuted for committing them. The acts are a means of controlling the
victim’s thoughts, feelings and behavior. The violence does not lessen
over time. The threats and/or beatings generally happen more often with
time, last longer and cause greater physical injuries.
Emotional abuse and insulting words are
almost always part of the abuse pattern, but are not considered criminal
acts. The wounds from these injuries, however, may be more difficult to
heal. Domestic violence is not caused by or provoked by the actions or
inaction’s of the victim. Domestic violence is not directly caused by
alcohol or drug abuse, depression, lack of money, lack of job, mental
illness or abuse as a child. However, existing problems often create
additional stress in a relationship and may increase the risk of
violence. Many abusers blame the victim or other things for their
violent acts and do not take responsibility for the abusive behavior.
There is never an excuse for violence.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you can find help through the
National Domestic Violence Hotline at
1-800-799-7233. Help is available
in multiple languages.
The
Violence Against Women Act allows abused spouses and children of
U.S. citizens and permanent residents to "self-petition," or file their
own petition to become a permanent resident.
Immigration Consequences: There
are serious immigration consequences (including deportation) for people
who commit acts of child abuse, child neglect and domestic violence. If
you or someone you know is involved in abusing a family member, you can
get help and stop the violence. If you think you are about to hurt
someone, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-7233. There are support programs that can help you
through individual and group counseling.
Links:
San Diego
Domestic Violence Council
San Diego Police Department Domestic Violence Unit
Fact Sheets:
English
Somali
Vietnamese
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