Michael Chionopoulos Judge - Domestic Violence
22nd August 2008, 20:58
Michael ChionopoulosDomestic Violence knows no age, socioeconomic, religious, racial, gender or educational barriers. It is a myth that only the poor or uneducated are victims of domestic abuse. Most studies indicate that there is also a high incidence of spousal abuse in the more affluent neighborhoods. Although a poor victim has the terrible problem of not having resources available, the more affluent spouse may also be in an equally desperate trap due to social stigmas, greater economic pressures and the increased societal position and power that the partner may have at his or her disposal. A lesbian or gay victim may have even greater barriers if there is discrimination because of sexual orientation.
Everyone Suffers. It is devastating for children to witness verbal or physical abuse, or to see the aftermath: an injured parent, a destroyed home. Fear, anger, feelings of isolation, low self-esteem and loss of trust are all common in children who witness abuse. Learning disabilities and behavioral problems which may be present are likely to intensify as they get older. In households where women are abused by their partners, there is often a high incidence of child abuse by the abusive parent. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that children in violent homes are frequently victims of incest and, unfortunately, the legacy of abuse doesn't stop when the children leave home. Children develop behavior based on what they have experienced growing up. Children from violent homes are at high risk for becoming adult victims or abusers themselves.
Family and friends are indirect victims of abuse. The isolation and terror that victim lives with deprives those closest to him or her from meaningful and fulfilling relationships. Often the abuser will harm others close to the victim in an effort to hurt or control the victim. An abuser may harm children, other family members friends, pets, personal belongings and the family home.
Read about Michael Chionopoulos
Magistrate judges terminated 12,710 civil cases with litigants’ consent in the 12 month period ending September 30, 2002, an increase of 5.7 percent over the previous 12 months. During the same 12 month period magistrate judges conducted 472 civil jury trials and 487 civil trials without jury. This use of magistrate judges to resolve civil cases, facilitated by means such as including them in a court’s civil case assignment system, has been a key component of many courts’ efforts to make the best use of judicial resources.
Michael Chionopoulos
