There is considerable debate around how often people make up or exaggerate allegations of domestic violence against them.
Although anecdotal, there have been reported situations in which people have faced serious criminal charges only to have them dropped after it becomes clear that the allegations of abuse were not true.
More broadly, one analysis conducted by an expert affiliated with George Mason University suggested that in cases where males are victims of domestic violence, a female abuser is more likely to make up an allegation against the male.
In such cases, what the abuser is doing is manipulating and threatening their victim so the cycle of abuse can continue.
The important thing to remember is that every allegation of domestic violence must be taken seriously both for the protection of the victim and the accused.
As with any criminal case, those accused of a charge related to domestic violence are innocent until the prosecutor proves them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Any story of domestic violence must therefore withstand scrutiny. Virginians can and should question whether the victim has a motive to make up or exaggerate allegations.
As the George Mason study suggests, perhaps the alleged victim is trying to cover up their own wrongdoing. To give another common example, perhaps the alleged victim is trying to get an advantage in a family law case.
Northern Virginia residents should take domestic violence charges seriously
Even a first-time criminal charge related to domestic violence can have serious and far-reaching consequences. Northern Virginia residents arrested for domestic violence should make sure they understand all of their legal options in any ensuing criminal case.
They may need to prepare to disprove or at least cast a reasonable doubt on the allegations against them to protect their freedom, their relationship with their children and their personal and professional opportunities.
