Domestic violence occurs when someone physically inflicts or threatens to inflict violence against a family or household member. In Ohio, domestic violence is a criminal offense that can be a misdemeanor of the fourth degree or first degree. It can ruin your reputation and change your life entirely and negatively. So, it begs the question, why would someone in your own household make such heinous and false accusations against you?
Why someone might falsely accuse you of domestic violence
Although a child or other household member may make wrongful allegations, it is the spouse who does so in most cases. Domestic violence has a significant impact on divorce and child custody cases. Below are some of the reasons behind false domestic allegations:
- Your spouse wants to obtain sole custody of your children.
- Your spouse can use it as a tactic to take possession of the marital home in a divorce.
- Your spouse, child or another household or family member might use it to seek revenge for filing for divorce.
- Your spouse, child or another household or family member might use it to get back at you for having an extramarital affair.
- The person accusing you could also be suffering from mental illness and instability.
If you learn the intent behind the false accusations, you will be in a better position to defend yourself. However, you should never confront your accuser or attempt to contact them. If they pursue a lawsuit, it will only give them more evidence to use against you.
What you should do
Refrain from speaking to the police or the accuser’s lawyer unless your lawyer is present. Start gathering evidence that can help prove your innocence and question the credibility of the accusations. You do not deserve to go to jail because of petty revenge. Be extra careful with what you say and how you act, even online. Remember that domestic violence accusations can make people see you differently, so avoid reinforcing their bias. Do not allow these false allegations to control your life.
