Power and Control and the Law

Wisconsin State Statutes

Crimes of Physical Violence

940.19(1)-(6) Battery-Simple, Substantial, Aggravated

939.32(1)&(3) Attempted Battery

940.20(1m) Battery to Person Subject to restraining order or Tribal Order

940.21 Mayhem

940.23 Reckless injury

940.24 Injure by Negligent Handling Dangerous Weapon

Crimes of Sexual Violence

940.225(1) First degree sexual assault

940.225(2) Second Degree Sexual Assault

940.225(3) Third Degree Sexual Assault

940.225(3m) Fourth Degree Sexual Assault

Using Coercion & Threats

943.30 Threats to injure or accuse of crime

940.42-45 Intimidation of Victim/Witness

941.23 Carrying Concealed Weapon

946.31 & 939.30 Solicitation to Commit Perjury

Using Intimidation

940.32 Stalking

940.42-45 Intimidation of Victim/Witness

943.14 Criminal tresspass to Dwelling

947.013 Harrassment

941.24 Possession of Switchblade Knife

Using Emotional Abuse

941.30 Recklessly Endangering Safety

943.01 Damage of Property

947.013 Harassment

951.02 Mistreating Animals

Using Isolation

940.30 False Imprisonment

940.305 Taking Hostage

940.31 Kidnapping

943.14 Criminal Trespass to Dwelling

942.05 opening Letters

Minimizing Denying & Blaming

946.41 Resisting or Obstructing an Officer

947.01 Disorderly Conduct

Using Children

940.31 Kidnapping

940.32 Stalking

Ch.948 Crimes Against Children

948.31 Interference with Custody

Using Male Privilege

941.01 Negligent Operation of Vehicle

941.20 Endangering Safety by Use of Dangerous Weapon

931.30 Recklessly Endangering Safety

943.01 Criminal Damage of Property

Using Economic Abuse

943.20 Theft

943.38  Forgery

943.02 Arson

943.10 Burglary

943.32 Robbery

943.39(2) Fraudulent Writings

940.285 Abuse to Vulnerable Adult

The following crimes might fit any of the behaviors listed on the wheel:

Chapter 813 Violation of a restraining order, including foreign orders of protection

939.05 Parties to Crime

939.24 Criminal Recklessness

939.25 Criminal Negligence

939.30 Solicitation

939.31 Conspiracy

939.32 Attempting Crimes

939.46 Coercion

946.49 Bail Jumping

947.01 Disorderly Conduct

940.42-45 Intimidation of Victim/Witness

940.31 Stalking

947.013 Harassment

947.012 Unlawful Use of Telephone

947.0125 Unlawful use of Computerized Communication System

940.285 Abuse of Vulnerable Adult

943.30 Threats to Injure

 

Dispelling the Myths of Domestic Violence

Myth:     Domestic abuse is less serious than other crimes.

Truth:     Domestic violence accounts for a significant proportion of all serious crimes-aggravated assaults, rape and homicides.

Myth:     Domestic abuse happens in poor families or in families of color.

Truth:     Domestic abuse occurs in all economic, racial, religious and cultural backgrounds. People with few economic resources/options are more likely to call law enforcement for assistance.

Myth:     “Minor” incidents of violence are normal in every relationship.

Truth:     Violence usually does not occur until other forms of control have failed and tends to escalate. No level of violence should occur in a healthy family.

Myth:     Bad relationships result in or cause domestic violence.

Truth:     Violence is a learned behavior where the abuser believes there is a right to abuse. This behavior can also be unlearned in treatment if an abuser recognizes it as a problem and wants to change how to deal with the need to control and use of violence.

Myth:     Alcohol and drug use cause domestic violence.

Truth:     Many people use alcohol and drugs and are not violent. However, when these substances are used during a violence incident, injuries tend to be more serious and the police are more likely to be contacted for assistance.

Myth:        Stress causes domestic violence.

Truth:        Everyone has stress in his/her life. Abusers believe they have the right to “take out their stress” on their victim.

Myth:        “It takes two to tango.” Domestic abuse is often provoked.

Truth:        No one can make another person be violent. It is a choice made by the abuser.

Myth:        Men are not abused at the same frequency as woman.

Truth:        Federal studies show that women are the victims in over 90% of violent incidents between intimate partners.

Myth:        Batterers “just snap.”

Truth:        If being out of control caused the violence, there would be more homicides. Many batterers are so in control they make sure that injuries inflicted on their victim will be less visible parts of a victim body.

Myth:        Leaving an abusive relationship will ensure safety for a victim and their children.

Truth: When an abuser learns that a victim is leaving the relationship or has taken a step to stop the power and control (i.e. calling the police, getting a restraining order, filing for divorce) the risk of homicide or serious bodily harm to the victim and her children increases dramatically.

Myth:    No one would hit a pregnant woman especially not the father of the child.

Truth:   There is a very high incidence of battering during pregnancy. Many victims are physically battered for the first time during their pregnancies.

Myth:     Abuse to elders is not domestic violence.

Truth:    Many elders are physically or emotionally abused or financially exploited by family members or others who hide behind the excuse of the caregiver stress.

Myth:      Abuse in same sex relationship is mutual.

Truth:    Same sex domestic violence involves similar issues of power and control and the predominant aggressor analysis should be used.

Myth:       Domestic abuse is more prevalent and is condoned in the immigrant population.

Truth: Immigrant populations are not more violent than the general population. immigrant victims of domestic abuse may be afraid to report their abuse for fear of deportation of themselves, their children and their abusers.