Logical Deduction Online - Social Media Detective Work

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but almost everyone has a social media or online account. It is considered abnormal when someone doesn't have an online presence. Most investigators, or curious others, know that you can find out more about a person using this nifty fact. Depending on how much you post about yourself, you can give someone a full profile of you or nothing at all (should someone not have one or completely ignore their social media).

Generally, there are people who ignore their online accounts, except for online shopping, but it can still give you a glimpse of their past. Even shopping history can give you an idea of their needs and interests. Again, it just depends on how much you post and the content. I don't think we realize just how much we put on the world wide web and how much information we give our friends and strangers. This blog is a basic guide to logical deduction on social media.

What We Post Online

Let's start with posts that are shared. We share so many humorous or serious posts all across our social media that we don't think about the messages others receive about us through them. They reveal our sense of humor and what we care about. They may even reveal our politics and beliefs if you share a lot of one theme. For example, if you share positive articles about a politician, you may just support them. If you share them all the time you are definitely supporting them. If one has a dark sense of humor their page will be full of that humor. Your interests are revealed by what you consistently share. Bottom line, look for a theme and consistently shared content.

Next, we move on to the pictures. Some don't share pictures of themselves, but others may tag them in pictures and those will show up on their page. Pictures show who we are connected to, where we go, who we have met in our lifetime, and who's important to us. Also, it may tell you favorite colors, clothing styles, our favorite clothes, posture, and physical preferences. Another important concept here is who is consistently in the pictures with us. So, for instance, if you are dating someone for two plus years, they will show up in pictures for two plus years. Whether you posted the pictures or someone tagged you in it, it can be analyzed for information. 

Moving on, we look at what we posted, not counting pictures. Status updates about our lives show up consistently, every once in a while, rarely, or not at all depending on who you are. Whenever they show up, they can tell us quite a bit about our mental state and what is going in our lives, blatantly or subtly. 

1. Subtle - Subtle clues to character are in what we say online. We can look at the tone and the emojis used to figure out if someone is in a good or bad mood. Add to that, if the post is directed towards any ongoing drama. Some posts mean exactly what was written with no undertones, while others include undertones of situations we don't see. 

2. blatant -  It means what it said. Examples include "I'm having a movie night at ....... See you there!" "I am thankful for my family in this time of grief." "That movie was so awesome! Y'all should go see it."  Simple, straight-forward, no hidden meanings. 

Liking pages can mean nothing or something, so be aware of that. Don't go off of that alone when

trying to profile someone off their social media. I hit "like" on a lot of things, and so do a lot of you readers, so having a million likes is a sign to not read too far into that. Whos' posts you like may mean something, though, if you consistently like their posts. It reveals a connection to someone. Be careful reading into that, too.

Groups that we get involved in reveal our real interests. I am involved in a facebook group for Nancy Drew Game Fans and Nancy Drew books. I am also involved in a group about the county I live in. This is a good example of good information for your snooping. It reveals my fandom interest and where I live in one shot. With this example, you can obviously see that groups are important. It connects us to others, too, so add personal connections to the list. 

Events that they have been to or are interested in show up on Facebook. If an event has been ignored entirely and doesn't say interested or going on it, don't include it in your logical deductions. Events that interest us reveal what our interests are and what we prioritize. For example, I'm a cosplayer and one would find Hall of Fame Comic Con in my list of attended events. It's simple and may even reveal politics or beliefs. 

Pinterest Boards are wonderfully easy to read interests from. I don't have to say much else on this topic, but I wanted to include it because Pinterest is social media. Want to know someone's interest and they have one? Just follow their boards. Also, shared boards reveal friendship and events planned together. 

Finally, we get to followers and friends lists. Look for those that are already connected personally in any of the above ways to find those closest to someone. Even on Pinterest. If one name comes up in five places you are looking at a friend or family member. Facebook even allows you to mark someone as a family or close friend. It makes it easy to see who dated who. 

Pulling All This Together

That was a lot of information, but when it all comes together we have a full picture of someone, with a few holes here and there. We only show the world some of us online, so that comes as no surprise. Something else to consider is that anyone can be anything online. When done right, a fake profile can look real. That's called catfishing. The above is only accurate if someone isn't lying. 

I hope this helped you with your logical deduction skills. Online profiling is best when paired with people watching and knowing the individual in person. You get an accurate reading that way.  *Please don't use to illegally stalk someone!*

Pictures: 

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vox.com

self defense tactics - writer's basics and real life skills

I talked about objects used for self-defense and murders of passion two blog posts ago, and now I am going to talk about self-defense tactics. This is useful, not only for the writers reading this, but for those who are in dangerous areas and walk to their cars at night after work. Male or female, you can use this in real life.

Prevention

You may not have to use this if you are clearly aware of your surroundings. There was a study done in a prison where the attackers were asked how they chose their targets. The targets were all women, but some of it is more than just female features.

 One thing that was taken into consideration was if they held an umbrella or a possible weapon. Carry an umbrella? You have one point in your favor. Carry a heavy purse? Another point in your favor. Open carry? I'd say you have nothing to worry about. 

Another point in your favor is if you are paying attention. Sounds easy, right? But so many of us walk around on our phones and tablets listening to music on our earbuds. We tune out the world around us more than we think. Put the phone in your purse or pocket. Turn off the music and take off the headphones. Doing so makes it harder to be mugged.

The last point in your favor is greeting and looking at the people around you. Can you identify someone? If person A was going to mug person B, Would person A want to be described to a police sketch artist? Not at all. Greet people and look them in the eye. Uncomfortable, yes, but it may just save you. Should you be attacked, you can identify them for the police and that's the end of their freedom, as well as solid evidence in your favor.

Basics For Anyone

Anyone can do these regardless of size or gender. It is recommended to be able to defend yourself in today's society. Someone wants your wallet and purse? Give it to them and run. Your credit card can always be reported stolen and frozen. Don't lose your life over your purse, please.

1. Push back and be loud - You can both signal for help and show them you aren't an easy target by yelling. "back of!" "get away from me!" "Who are you?" "I'll call the police!" Don't be easy to quietly take. Silence is a bad idea.

2. Hitting sensitive places - If the first didn't work, hit and punch. Think SING (Sole, Instep, Nose, Groin). Other places include face, neck, ears, knees, legs, and any obvious injuries they had previously. Where to hit depends on proximity. Hit upper body with a knife-like hand position, palm-strike, tightly curled fist, or knuckles for soft targets, 

3. False surrender - If your attacker is trying to tire you out, false surrender will trigger them to release you enough to make a hit and run for it. In sexual assaults, this is a big thing. When you are not going to be able to fight your way out of it, false surrender is something you need to try. 

4. Self-defense classes - Basically, one blog post and several online website articles may not prepare you for any of this. Take classes. The internet is no substitute for actual classes on this. 

Products For Self-Defense

There are companies that sell to (primarily) women. Pepper spray, tasers, and the like are good to have, in general. You can even get a knife-edge wedding band. Damsel In Defense is a major company who does this, but there are others. There are tactical pens you find, too, so if someone attacks you in an office, you can reach for it on your desk. If you can conceal carry or open carry, do so.

*The second source at the bottom of this post is the Damsel In Defense website.*

Pictures:

Stun and run self defense

STAR concepts

Sources:

https://lifehacker.com/basic-self-defense-moves-anyone-can-do-and-everyone-sh-5825528

https://damselindefense.net/

sherlock mind palace

Sherlock Holmes is famous for many things, one of them being a mind palace memory technique that actually exists. I am going to do a brief snapshot of how you create one for yourself, though I'd watch the videos done by youtuber Observe for more information, should you want more details. The link to the first mind palace video will be at the end of this blog.

What is this?

This has been around for much longer than Sherlock. It is the idea that you visualize a memorized place, mark certain furniture with certain numbers, then use the furniture (or whatever you choose to number) as files. We place our coats and purses on chairs in real life, come back for them, and repeat. This is exactly what you are doing in your mind when you use this technique.

Does it work?

Before you could google, save numbers to your cellphone, write down on paper, and set reminders on your mobile and electronic devices this memory technique was used quite often. Paper was expensive then, but today it is cheap. The modern world has made it easy for this technique to be unnecessary, but years back this was highly necessary. Does it work? Yes!

Creating One

Listen very carefully to these steps, and watch the video link below, because if you create it wrong it falls apart real quick. I am giving you basics, so please do more research than this if you are doing this for real.

1. Memorize a place (keep it simple, if the space is cluttered mentally)

2. Walk the space and mark certain furniture or objects as 1,2,3.....etc.

3. Mentally walk the same path in your mind palace until you know it by heart. (No joke)

4. Load information into your mind palace NUMERICALLY and mark it as visually as possible.

5. Use your mind palace often to keep yourself sharp and your mind palace working.

Loading Information In

When you load something into your mind palace put a numerical number to it. This is where you are putting it, whether it looks silly or not. (The more out of the place, the better, actually.) Lists are easy, but what about speeches or lines in a play?

Well, let's take a four-paragraph speech and map this out. If the first paragraph is about your dog, the first visual image is your dog (doing whatever you want him to do). The second paragraph may be about your significant other, so visualize them (again, pose doesn't matter as long as you remember it). Paragraph three can be about your parents, so place them next. The last paragraph can be about your favorite book, so visualize the cover of your favorite book opening up.  It takes some mapping out, but it really does work. 

I will emphasize the need to go in numerical order and not go out of order because that is a recipe for failure all by itself. If file one is bookshelf one, and you're memorizing the previous speech we just discussed, the image is your dog doing ridiculous things beside or on top of the shelves. Don't put him at file three, his dog bed, just because it makes sense. No, the odder it is the more you remember.

As always, check my facts and correct me if you see something's not right. I aim to arm writers with truth, not lies. I have created a mind palace in the last week or so, so it is possible. You don't have to have Sherlock qualities to do it. Enjoy your new mind palace!

Sources:
https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/memory-palace/

Pictures:
flipkart
magnetic memory method
oldschoolasc.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDAZyA_YqRE - click this link for a video about Mind Palace Memory Technique. There are three more after this one done by the same youtuber.

Anything can be a weapon - A mystery and suspense writing motto

Whether you are defending yourself from an attacker or trying to kill your wife and frame Guilder for it (Princess Bride joke), weaponry is unlimited because every object in your house can probably be used to kill or defend yourself. Please don't use this to suggest you can kill yourself! That is not the message I am promoting!

If any of you have ever watched The Red Green Show you know that "any tool is the right tool". When building a porch or a car that is absolutely not true, but when it comes to writing a self-defense or murder scene it is true. Below are the reasons I believe that the possibilities are endless for weaponry.

Self-Defense Scenarios

In the case of self-defense, this is a brilliant way to a have an unconventional weapon used. An umbrella? A letter opener? A frying pan? An encyclopedia? All of the above will work for this use. When you are being chased by someone with intent to kill you or assault you, one can't be picky about what one can use to defend themselves. If you see a fireplace poker you grab it. A frying pan, sure, why not! Just look at the zombie movies, like Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland for examples like this. 

Murder and Intent to Kill/Harm

This goes for a crime of passion, in most cases. I say this because a premeditated murder will have a premeditated weapon prepared and ready. A crime of passion? Not so much. Whatever is in the room or within reach will do. Again, I reference the horror genre for examples of this. Gremlins show the little gremlin creatures grabbing anything they can find to take on the humans trying to destroy them. This also shows one gremlin being microwaved to death. Anything goes in most horror genre movies.

Actual Examples from Real Life

These are real life examples, that I haven't made up, of murders that happened with household objects we would never, normally, consider dangerous. I can't make these up, and if you don't believe me click the first source at the bottom of the post. It has more details on all of these murders.

1. Richard Clare was killed by a spoon to the head in 2004. 

2. Alf Andersson was stabbed to death with a stilletto in 2013. 

3. Rebecca Love was stabbed with a pen 93 times in May 2007.

4. Marie Rankin was beaten to death with her crucifix. 

5. Monica Gooden was bludgeoned with an Xbox 360 in 2013. 

6. A 97-year-old man was beaten dead by a spatula.

7. Sreymon Claudia was beaten to death with a toilet tank lid until it broke.

8. Debra Hewitt murdered her boyfriend using her prosthetic leg. 

9. Daniel Kovarbasich smashed a jar of pickles on his molester's head. 

10. Patricia McCollum was strangled with a pair of sweatpants. 

I repeat, I can't make this up. These are all real. 

 Objects Used For Self Defense

There are a million or so nonlethal and lethal self-defense weapons made for self-defense specifically, but I'm not going to talk about those today. (Possibly another post to look out for, if you liked this one!) Today we talk about the inanimate objects that, with a little bit of imagination, can be used against an attacker. Below is a list of objects that can be used to fend off an attacker, inflict pain, or kill in self-defense. "Them" is your attacker.

1. Fire extinguishers - Blind someone and hit them on the head

2. Any sharp object in the house (yes, pens) - Stab them

3. Keys - Stab them

4. Anything for blunt force - slam it into them

5. Gardening tools and sports equipment - slam it into them and stab them (depends on tool)

5. Your shoes - Slam your heel into them

6. Household chemicals - Cause ill effects to them

7. Any Clothes, blankets, and sheets - cover their line of vision

All of these are common objects around the house, every one of them. Never underestimate the power of your gardening shed or supply closets. Writers, you live with many lethal objects in your house. Use your imagination when it comes to your mysteries and suspense.

Pictures:
Reddit
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Sources:

https://thoughtcatalog.com/kendra-syrdal/2016/03/10-unconventional-items-you-never-would-have-suspected-were-used-in-cold-blooded-murder-but-totally-were/

https://www.heraldextra.com/momclick/health-and-fitness/common-household-items-make-great-self-defense-tools/article_2b140a31-3b82-5568-b55a-cf7a34ebd2cc.html

The Hardy Boys - a brief history

The Hardy Boys have been around as long as Nancy Drew has.  They were created in 1927 and written under the name of Franklin W. Dixon. Much like Nancy Drew, they have been maintained by ghostwriters. Frank and Joe Hardy have been featured as phone contacts and physical characters in Herinteractive Nancy Drew games, have their own PC games, and their books continue to be written.

Since I've done a feature on Nancy Drew's history, it's only fair to do one on Frank and Joe Hardy. Their images don't generally change, mostly because they are men, but their personalities vary by series to a small degree. Men don't have fashion to worry about, usually, so it makes perfect, logical sense that their images don't change as much as Nancy's. They live in Bayport with their mother (Laura Hardy) and their father, plus their Aunt Gertrude. In some books they work for The Network/ATAC (american teens against crime).

The Original Series

Let's get a mental picture of these brothers. Joe is blonde, the younger brother, and is more impulsive. Frank is dark haired, the older brother, and more level-headed. The pair have a father, Fenton Hardy, who is a private investigator. He calls on his sons to help him with some of his cases. Love interests depend highly on the series.

The original series included Laura and Fenton Hardy, Aunt Gertrude, Chet Morton, various other friends, and the platonic female friends Cali Shaw and Iola Morton. Iola is Chet's sister, to answer the question you didn't ask. It doesn't imply romance here. The focus is on action and adventure, because it is aimed at young boys.

Any series aimed at young and growing boys has a natural tendency to focus on adventure, action, and sometimes "getting the girl". It encourages men to be leaders in every aspect of their lives and feeds young boys' needs for excitement. The Hardy Boys are no exception to that rule. The more mature the series, the more it focuses on "getting the girl". In this way it is different from the Nancy Drew series that it often crosses over with. Nancy has a more independent theme going on (if you look at the original, at least).

The Series That Followed

Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys crossovers often include the idea of Frank and Nancy getting together. This is known as "Francy". This is because both have so much in common, and it is a great writing technique to get drama going. The more drama-filled the series, the more "Francy" you see.  Hardy Boys have thrived alongside Nancy Drew, through Nancy's stories as well as their own. There are Hardy Boys series wherever you find Nancy Drew, with a few exceptions.

Crossover series include Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Supermysteries I and II and a shared 1970s TV series. There was a 90's TV show, but it was canceled mid-season due to low ratings. The individual book series include Undercover Brothers, Hardy Boys Casefiles, Clues Brothers, and Hardy Boys Adventures. Some of these are aimed at more mature audiences, others are aimed at younger audiences (ex. Clue Brothers).  Within these are a mix of romance and completely platonic friendships. The Supermysteries and casefiles play with varying levels of drama, while the original series and Clues Brothers are aimed at a younger audience and have almost no drama.

A Steady Storyline

In the Nancy Drew blog post I pointed out distinct changes in characters, but here there are only minor changes in personality. Frank is flirtatious in some series (Nancy Drew Hardy Boys Supermysteries TV series), but introverted and awkward in others (Supermysteries II books). Actors and writers have tweeked them here and there, but the basics remain constant. Joe is impulsive and flirtatious, while Frank is a thinker. The newer series may exclude some of the original friends and add more characters in their place, including many short and long term love interests, but I can't find changes to character traits established in the original books.

While Nancy Drew changed with times, the Hardy Boys didn't have to, mostly because they were men. Fashion for men has not changed much. The standards that men are held to have changed only slightly, in most circles. Action-filled adventures are still in demand for young men and boys, while young girls' lives have changed so much more in comparison. Society has changed more for women than men, though it has shifted for both. In short, while Nancy's image varies between series, these two brothers don't, and if they do it's minor.

Want to hear a history of any more fictional characters? Let me know in the comments below!



Pictures:
Herinteractive
mentalfloss.com
pinterest
wattpad

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hardy_Boys

Nancy Drew through the years - a changing image

With the CW Nancy Drew drama coming out, I thought I should do something Nancy Drew related. I have been a Nancy Drew nerd since childhood. I am a proud fan of Herinteractive games (shout out to all the Drew Crew out there!).

Nancy's image has changed from her creation to today. Everything from her wardrobe to her hair color hasn't been the same. I'm going to go through her image and appearance, as well as other changes, from her creation to today.

With the changes that happened, I want to say that what hasn't changed is her love of mysteries and empowerment of women. She has encouraged young girls for decades and the idea of Nancy Drew has not died since her creation.

A Brief History

Nancy Drew was created in 1930 by Edward Stratemeyer and maintained by ghostwriters. To this day, various Nancy Drew series are written by ghostwriters under the name "Carolyn Keene". She is known for her courageous solving of dangerous mysteries, her sense of style, her roadster, her father being a lawyer, and her hometown of River Heights. Her constant friends are Ned Nickerson, Bess Marvin, and George Fayne.

Starting with the 1930s and 1940s books, her hair color changed from strawberry blonde to red with one misprint. This is why she is sometimes blonde and sometimes a redhead. Her clothes are usually updated based on when something was filmed or written. 

 Her image started with a long scarf, a knee-length dress, short hair under a hat, and thick heels. She started as blonde, but it began to vary.  Her character was daring, fashionable, and well-liked by everyone, except the culprit. She's not a goody-two-shoes, but she isn't a rebellious teenager either. Danger doesn't phase her. 

From here, we got different Nancy Drew series sprouting in the forms of TV , movies, games, and books. I'm going to start with the TV shows and the distinct differences in how she is portrayed.

TV Shows

Nancy Drew Hardy Boys Series - This started in the 70s and Nancy Drew wasn't a part of the third season. The third season was the end of the whole series (just Hardy Boys by then). She is portrayed as her spunky self and they suggest that she and Frank Hardy have a romance (what is known by fans as "Francy"). That suggestion has stood the test of time in several other series. 

Nancy Drew 1995 -   This series is not well known. It has one season, is a drama, and doesn't get much discussion. It takes place in Los Angeles. She is 21 and a criminologist. The show was canceled mid-season due to low ratings. I have personally watched two episodes and never want to own it.

Nancy Drew CW  -   This is new, as of 2019, as in brand new. So far my impression of it, based on reviews, is that this Nancy is nothing like the books. It may have the same name as Nancy, but the relationships, town, and plot are different. I could go on about this for a while, but the bottom line on this one is that Nancy Drew here is unlike Nancy Drew anywhere else. It is more sexualized, also.

Books Series

Given that the original series is the 1930s and 1940s books, I won't be talking about that series and differences because it is the standard. Every book series has a different tone, but all have the name Carolyn Keene.


Nancy Drew files -  The book series started in 1986 and focuses on romance and drama, as well as mystery. In this one, Nancy sometimes has men other than Ned. It is more dramaful than the original books from 1930 and 1940.

Girl Detective -  The book series is set in current day. The setting is in River Heights, just like most everything else. She has the same characteristics as the original Nancy, just in modern-day time. I personally love this one, mostly because it has the same charm as the originals with modern mysteries. This one includes Deirdre Shannon as a main character, too.

Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Supermysteries -  This series started in 1988 and supports the idea of  "Francy" to the max. It also has some drama about romance here and there, with a lot of good mystery mixed in. I like these ones, too, mostly because I like the idea of "Francy".

Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Supermysteries II -   An intersection of girl detective and undercover brothers, this is set in modern day and is also as fun as Girl Detective. The title explains itself, so I don't think I need to explain much. It has the same feel as Girl Detective because it's the same publisher, and maybe similar ghostwriters.

On campus -  With this one it is mostly a soap opera in a book, with a mystery subplot. Nancy and Ned break up in this series. It began in 1995 and Nancy is going to college. It was not the most loved series if you expected a real mystery. She came across as less intelligent. To make a long story short, if you like soap opera you might like this one. If you wanted a mystery? Not so much.

Movies

When it comes to films, everyone likes a different Nancy. Some like the modern and some like the classic (1930s) Nancy. Whatever your taste, here's how each Nancy actress portrayed this teen sleuth. 

Bonita Granville -  She was Nancy in four short films, all of them made in 1939. They include Ned as "Ted" and don't imply a romantic relationship. She tends to solve the mystery however works and she has a fondness for her father and Ted, creating trouble for both. She's adorable, smart, and determined. Somehow, she also never gets in trouble herself, though she gets Ted into a lot of awkward situations. 

Emma Roberts -  Set in California, this Nancy has to avoid mysteries because her father doesn't want to worry about her. She picked a house with a mystery, oops.  Emma Roberts portrays a goody-two-shoes, "I want to help people" Nancy with old fashioned values. She assumes the best in people, managing to make friends with some quirky classmates. Her and Ned seem to be at the beginning of their relationship. They kiss for the first time at the end of the movie. She is a bit out of place in Los Angeles and doesn't fit in, so she does get made fun of by a pair of girls in her new school. 

Sophia Lillis -   This portrayal of Nancy is aimed at Millennials and younger. I loved it, but not everyone did. She rides a longboard and just moved to River Heights after her mother died. She and her father have some spats because she hadn't wanted to move away, but they reconcile. She is a bit reckless and plays a few pranks within the film. She ends up doing community service after the prank we see in the beginning. She grows up within the film, rather than being perfect immediately. The film also includes Helen Corning, a character from the books we rarely see in today's books and films.( Helen Corning acts more like Deirdre Shannon in the opening scenes. ) There is no Ned in this one, but there is Deputy Patrick, a nonromantic character. Like the books, Carson Drew (the father) is in danger. 

Games

Nancy Drew games, DS and PC, are out there. Some of them are seek-and-find, while others put you in the place of Nancy Drew and you solve the mystery. Herinteractive makes Nancy Drew games and began making them in 1998 with Secrets Can Kill. They will be releasing another one December 3rd Midnight in Salem. 

These games portray Nancy in a relationship with Ned. Nancy is calling Ned, Bess, George, and the Hardy boys for helpful hints and is often traveling. She unravels the mystery of what happened to her mother in Silent Spy and solves several mysteries tied to threats, murder, sabotage, and ghosts (though some of them may not be real). 

This is a particularly long blog post, but it was worth it. This is a subject I love to talk about! Want to hear more? Comment below!

Sources:

https://www.lib.umd.edu/nancy/nancy-drews-legacy/celebrating-75-years

http://nancydrew.info/nd0.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Drew#1986%E2%80%931997:_Files,_Super_Mystery,_and_On_Campus

Pictures:
New York Times
Just Jared Jr.
Herinteractive wiki fandom
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theweek.com

elite daily

domestic abuse law - the basics for writers

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that can't be ignored. No matter what your gender, it can happen to anyone. When it comes to laws, here's what can be done.

It is defined by the domestic abuse hotline as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to control and maintain control of the other partner. You don't have to be married to have this issue. You can be dating, married, or living together. Status doesn't matter here. This abuse type is done by using physical harm, fear, and controlling behaviors. These can range from emotional abuse to threats and abuse of power.  In the first source link at the bottom of the page there is more information on this topic and abuse type.

Law and Punishment

Let's get into laws, in Lehmans terms. This type of law includes civil protection orders and punishment for the controlling partner. Most are prosecuted under state law. I am going into Ohio's domestic violence laws here, so it may be different if you aren't in Ohio or your character lives elsewhere.

When someone is accused of domestic violence here's what going to happen to them.
- They are arrested
- reputation damage
- temporary restraining order
- firearm rights restricted
- occupation consequences for missing work (if they work)

If convicted, there is an injunction issued. That means no contact with the victim. Possibilities also include probation, counseling of any sort, and drug help. Below is a basic guideline to what can happen, based on the person/character's previous history.

First time - The first time usually results in first-degree misdemeanor, so six months in jail and $1000 fine. Was the (alleged) victim pregnant and you knew? Add a felony onto that.

Previous domestic violence - Previous convictions make it a fourth-degree felony, so a prison sentence of six to eighteen months and $5000 fine. Pregnant victim? You now get maximum penalty.

  Related-to-domestic-violence convictions on recond - If you get convicted of domestic violence and have two plus prior convictions related to domestic violence, it is a third-degree felony, so maximum prison sentence and $10,000 fine.

After one gets out of prison/jail and pays their dues, what happens to them? Here's the struggle they created for themselves:
- hard to find jobs  - restricted license for work   - no firearms  - less or no child custody (f it applies)
- permanent red mark on record

Proving Domestic Violence

We know what happens to the convicted, but how do the victims prove, or fake, domestic violence? 

In writing your characters know that some have faked this, but whether they get away with it or not in your writing is your choice. That is only a miniscule number of people who fake. Without further adieu, here is how it can be proven, or faked. 

Nonphysical abuse is hard to prove. No bruises or marks on your body, but still being abused? Doesn't look good in court, if you don't know how to document the abuse. 

1. third party expert  -  If an expert on abuse, a therapist or psychologist, can confirm the abuse you have a witness. 

2. paper trail -   Keep a copy of the threatening texts, journal what is going on in real-time. Write factual and straight facts of what is happening somewhere. The more you leave a paper trail behind you, the more you have on someone. Can you record phone calls (check this out based on the state)? Do so!

Physical evidence is easier to prove than nonphysical, for obvious reasons. Bruises in places you can't reach? Obviously not your doing. Here is where something may be faked more easily (though the evidence above can be, too). 

1. 911 call records and medical records - 911 will keep record of distress calls. These prove you needed help, serious help. Also, if someone put you in a hospital due to this abuse, it is documented by the hospital. 

2. Witnesses of violence -   In cases of violent attacks, a few witnesses can always be of help, if they are telling the truth. Witness something? Tell someone!

3. Records -   Did they harm someone else before you and get convicted? That's one point in your favor. History of crime or violence is a sign you are telling the truth, or a convenient way to trap someone (if your character is lying, that is). Especially when they had a restraining order against them, police reports with their name on them, or anything proving trouble with the law. 

4. Pictures of physical harm -  If they harmed you or your property and you have it documented in pictures, you have physical evidence of an attack and have some serious evidence to protect yourself. Can this be faked? Possibly, depending on how far one wanted to go to pin a crime on someone. 

When This Law Applies

All of the above applies in high conflict divorce cases, custody battles, and charges of domestic violence. When children are involved the law is serious about the child's welfare and will, most likely, be looking for stability in a parent, as well as safety. Some abusers try to take custody of the children as a way to bring pain to the other partner and keep them close. 

You'll notice that I didn't focus on women on this post. This post isn't about gender, though domestic violence does connect to women. That's because men can be abused by other men or women, as well, and it is much harder to prove in court.  Women can also abuse women. Women are not always saints and victims. I'm acknowledging that no matter your gender, domestic abuse can happen. Men are not immune to this. 

Pictures:

nomore.com
thehotline.com



Sources:

https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/
https://www.law.georgetown.edu/your-life-career/career-exploration-professional-development/for-jd-students/explore-legal-careers/practice-areas/domestic-violence-law/
https://www.rittgers.com/Criminal-Defense/Criminal-Defense-FAQ/Accused-Of-Domestic-Violence-In-Ohio-What-You-Need-To-Know.shtml
https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/legal/how-to-prove-nonphysical-abuse-in-court
https://www.weinsteinlawoffice.com/blog/perserving-evidence-in-a-domestic-violence-case/