The spousal abuse laws allow the police to press charges when the woman won't, which is not true of more generic assault cases. It's also much easier to get a restraining order in a domestic abuse case. And in many states, restraining orders carry restrictions on firearm ownership. But I see your point - why is assault on an acquaintance a misdemeanour, when assault on family is a felony?
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Date: 2006-10-17 12:34 pm (UTC)