Of all the problems that a couple might endure in their marriage, domestic violence is clearly one of the most troubling — both for the victim and the aggressor. After an incident of abuse, it can be very difficult for both spouses to know how to proceed. Incidents that result in a call to police can become public very quickly, especially if criminal charges are filed.
Celebrities accused of domestic violence get even more attention, which isn’t necessarily good for either spouse. Whether or not the accused spouse is guilty, the public tends to assume the worst without having all the facts of the case. Right now, for example, rumors are swirling around a Major League Baseball player who used to play for the Texas Rangers.
Police were called to the home of outfielder Andruw Jones in the early-morning hours of Christmas day after his wife reported being assaulted. She told police that the couple had an argument after a Christmas party they hosted, prompted by her asking for help with a table. She said her husband, who had consumed several drinks at the party, became angry and grabbed her arm. After she resisted, he grabbed her and put his hands around her neck, saying he wanted to kill her, she said.
Jones denied inflicting any pain, despite the fact that police reported his wife had visible injuries. He was arrested, charged with battery and released from custody after posting $2,500 bond.
Jones has a contract to play for a Japanese baseball league, and his new team’s president has said the charges won’t affect that deal. But he and his wife will still have to decide what the incident means for their marriage. For many spouses even one instance of abuse is enough to lead to divorce; others choose to work things out with counseling. There are no easy answers, but a family law attorney can be of great assistance in deciding what to do after a domestic violence incident.
Source: The Washington Post, “Andruw Jones arrested on domestic violence charge,” Cindy Boren, Dec. 26, 2012
- Our firm takes a sensitive approach to domestic violence incidents and other family law matters. To learn more about our practice, please visit our Dallas family law website.