In this age of “me too” and “toxic masculinity,” I came across the article linked below.
In the family or criminal law context, if a “family violence” situation arises – it is the man who will be arrested. Almost positively, it is the man always. The presumption that because a man is, well masculine, bigger, or aggressive – it must be his fault.
I have defended three “family violence” cases in the last year where the man was charged, but the man did nothing. In one case, the man went into the bedroom and locked the door to keep out the wife. There he sat. Police were called. He was arrested. Eventually, she recanted on the whole story line and the case was dismissed. In another case (not one of mine), in a jealous rage the woman grabbed the man’s phone, dug her fingernails into him, then bit him. He pushed her back and away. She claims obstruction of airway – well people, that is a felony. She now has him by the testies. He would eventually settle on a deferred Class A case. What was he supposed to do – try it, or take the deal? He’s staring at a felony conviction or misdemeanor plea. He has to take the deal. BTW – I’m convinced it was a complete set up by wife.
A couple of things to think about – men are almost always gong to seek peace before violence. Peace in their own home. Men will pay any price to obtain that peace. Thus, they will endure the misery or abusive relationship.
Note, it is the very very rare man that will seek out a protective order due to family violence. I have done one of those, however. That is, man was granted a protective order to protect the man.
Note also, I have defended a protective order brought by the wife where, at the end, Denton County judge told the woman – “you are not believable,” i.e., you are a liar. Denton County – the DA was going to bring a family violence charge against my client, the man, but after learning the judge’s comments dropped the case.
Very, very common – men met the girl, loved the girl, and sought companionship. What they got was something else entirely different. To be discussed further in the future.
In this age of “toxic masculinity,” I would think chivalry is not dead.
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