Over the past few years, actor Johnny Depp has been embroiled in domestic violence allegations. Both Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard have made domestic violence accusations towards each other. Since their divorce settlement that took place in August 2016, the two ex-spouses have fought each other in civil court, alleging domestic abuse and defamation. His ex-wife alleges that any domestic violence on her part was done in an act of self-defense. They both have evidence of physical harm done to their bodies.
Depp filed a lawsuit against Heard, alleging that she defamed him by portraying herself as a “domestic abuse victim.” Depp claims he has lost work opportunities because of the portrayal of him as a domestic abuser. Audio recordings recently surfaced in which Heard tells Depp that she was not punching him but hitting him. At one point in the audio recording, Depp says he does not want a divorce but “If things get physical, we have to separate.” Heard then tells Depp that she “can’t promise you I won’t get physical again.” Depp has submitted evidence that his fingertip became severed by shattered glass after Heard threw a wine bottle at him.
Domestic Violence Against Men is Still a Taboo Subject
As the dispute between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard shows us, domestic violence issues are often complicated. Determining who started domestic violence and who acted in self-defense can be extremely challenging. When police officers respond to a domestic violence call, they must determine who to arrest, if anyone, which is not easy to do without a thorough investigation.
One thing is certain, however; domestic violence against men is still a taboo subject. The Telegraph goes so far as to say that female violence against men is the last great taboo in our society. The Telegraph provides an example of a 42-year-old woman who murdered her husband by stabbing him with a 13-inch carving knife. Before the murder, the woman was a serial abuser of men. She is not a one-off case, either. Between 2004 and 2014, statistics show that the number of women convicted of domestic abuse against men quadrupled.
Men are Less Likely to Tell the Police About Domestic Violence
Domestic violence against men is still so taboo that very few men tell the police about domestic violence. According to the ManKind Initiative, only 10% of male victims will report domestic violence to the police. This number is less than half of the 26% of women who will report domestic violence to the police. Courts do not always punish female domestic violence abusers as harshly as men. For many men, it never occurs to them that physical abuse by their wives or girlfriend is an act of domestic violence. However it is not uncommon. Every year, over 830,000 men are victims of domestic abuse in the United States.
Our Law Firm Can Help
If you are facing domestic abuse charges in Illinois, our law firm can help. Contact Glasgow & Olsson as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation.