Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | May 15, 2025 | Family Violence

Types of Family Violence and the Behaviors That Define Them

Family violence is a serious issue that can cause lasting physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It’s more widespread than many people realize and includes more than just physical aggression. In fact, family violence—and its subset, domestic violence—can take many different forms, all defined by specific patterns of behavior and conduct rather than just overt acts of violence. 

Understanding these different types of violence can help keep you and your loved ones safe. 

The five primary types of family violence include:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a common category of domestic and family violence. Behaviors included in physical abuse include punching, hitting, slapping, and any other kind of physical harm inflicted upon a partner or household member. 

Also included in this category is forcing a family member to use alcohol and/or drugs and denying a partner medical care.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can inflict as much damage as physical abuse, only in a different manner. This category of abuse includes inflicting emotional pain on the victim. 

For example, continually belittling a partner, diminishing their abilities, undercutting their self-worth, and chipping away at their self-esteem. It includes humiliating a family member, shouting at them, threatening them, and calling them names.

Psychological Abuse

Psychologically abusing a family member involves trying to control or intimidate them. It can include using threats of physically harming someone they love or a favorite pet. 

Using fear is a common tactic of psychological abuse. Isolating the person and gaslighting them are also forms of psychological abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing a partner or household member to have intercourse or other sexual contact without their consent is sexual abuse. However, sexual abuse goes beyond rape. 

It can include tampering with birth control and treating someone in a sexually demeaning way. Sexual abuse may involve physical harm through sexual acts.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is another form of controlling someone. A person may refuse to allow a partner to have access to finances or funds. They want to make their partner completely dependent upon them for all their needs. 

They may demean them by constantly saying they are too stupid to understand family finances. This type of abuse also includes preventing a person from working to earn money or going to school to learn skills to get a job.

Family Violence Can Result in Criminal Charges in Texas

Family violence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense, depending on the circumstances. The penalties for a conviction depend on the charges, a person’s criminal history, aggravating circumstances, and other factors.

Felony domestic violence convictions for family violence can carry significant prison sentences. Courts may also issue protective orders in connection with family violence charges. Collateral consequences can include loss of child custody and problems finding employment because of a criminal record.

What Should I Do if I’m Charged with Family Violence in Fort Worth, TX?

Being charged with family violence in Fort Worth is a serious matter with potentially life-altering consequences. A conviction can affect your freedom, reputation, employment, and even your ability to see your family. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly and strategically. 

Exercise your right to remain silent, avoid contact with the alleged victim, and consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. With the right legal guidance, you can protect your rights, build a strong defense, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

For more information, please contact the family violence law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:

We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.

Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102