Articles Tagged with difficulties prosecuting domestic violence

In California, domestic violence cases are fraught with emotional, legal, and personal complexities. One particularly insidious tactic that abusers often use to manipulate the situation is the claim of “mutual combat.” This deflection strategy involves the abuser accusing you, the victim, of being equally violent—or worse, of initiating the conflict. Such accusations can lead to dual arrests, dual protective orders, and the possibility of you being charged with a domestic violence crime alongside the perpetrator, even when you are actually the victim.

Understanding the Concept of ‘Mutual Combat’

Mutual combat refers to a situation where both parties are deemed to have willingly engaged in physical violence against each other. In the context of domestic violence, this can be a misleading and harmful label. Abusers often leverage this claim to muddy the waters, making it appear as though the victim is just as guilty. This tactic can be particularly effective because it creates confusion and doubt in the minds of law enforcement, prosecutors, and even judges.