A Pennsylvania woman faces charges of simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct after an alleged domestic violence dispute. The 49-year-old woman was charged with misdemeanor assault after allegedly striking a 45-year-old man on the back of the head with a flashlight. Authorities were initially called to the apartment of the woman to investigate a domestic dispute in the early hours of the morning.
The 45-year-old victim suffered from only minor injuries. No further details in regards to the victims condition have been reported, and there was no indication as to what prompted the altercation. The woman was arrested and released on a $5,000 unsecured bail. The woman faces a preliminary criminal hearing in the following weeks.
Domestic violence situations are very serious and should always be given proper attention before matters escalate and even more severe consequences are at stake. Here, the victim could have a valid personal injury claim against his attacker. Evidence of a dispute between the two that caused the police to be called to the home could be used in conjunction with the physical evidence of the flashlight and the victim’s condition to secure a judgment in the victim’s favor. His injuries are reported as minor, but he may be able to seek compensation from his attacker should he choose to sue.
Assault victims need to look no further than local authorities to investigate and prosecute their attackers for the crimes they commit. Victims also have the opportunity to pursue civil claims against their attackers, should they need to seek compensation for their injuries. Victims of such attacks should seek legal advice from qualified personal injury attorneys.
Source: Montgomeryville-Lansdale Patch, “Upper Salford Woman Charged in Alleged Flashlight Assault”, June 12, 2013