A Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Thoughts on Domestic Violence Patterns

Many people believe that domestic violence is committed by a violent person. This statement is not only false but offensive because it states that violent tendencies are innate or characteristic and cannot be changed. The truth is, not only can one learn violent behavior, but there can be many factors that make a person more prone to aggressive behavior. Let us take a look at some of the behaviors and habits that may be unexpectedly associated with an increased risk of domestic violence. You will learn about the details by contacting a Nashville criminal defense lawyer.

A report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation states that around 69 women were killed by men in 2017. 90% of the men who murdered were known by them. 76% were murdered using a weapon. As compared to prior year data, 65 women were killed by men in 2016 and 52% of the victims who died were killed with a weapon.

Maybe you were recently arrested and charged with domestic violence. Maybe you even face a restraining order forbidding you to see your spouse or children. Maybe things are out of control. Maybe it is not the first time this has occurred. The key to preventing this recurrence is to identify and eliminate potential triggers, including ones you may not have thought about.

Diet:

Many studies in recent years have found interesting and surprising links between poor diet and increased violence. Let us look at just a few examples of how the food in our diet can affect our behavior.

• Dietary Trans Fats:

We know that a diet high in Trans fats (such as partially hydrogenated oils) increases your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and obesity, but can also make you more aggressive. Research has shown that consuming Trans fats can cause long-term changes in behavior. Trans fats cause an increase in Omega-6 fatty acids and a deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can make a person’s mood harsher and more aggressive.

• Blood Sugar:

Many of us know that consuming too much sugar on a regular basis can increase blood sugar and insulin levels, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. The right type of sugar is not bad for us in moderation, but when our blood sugar drops too low, or if our body cannot process sugar properly, it will directly affect our health. Our mood can make us angry and can make us more vulnerable to violence.

• Lithium:

Lithium deficiency is associated with higher cases of assault, suicide, and murder. Lithium is naturally found in many healthy foods we eat and the water we drink because lithium has a calming effect.

The bottom line is a person’s diet can play a large role in their risk of domestic violence. If your diet consists mainly of junk food, microwave-safe foods, or other unhealthy foods, this may increase your chances of developing aggressive behavior. A healthy, balanced diet that includes protein, fresh vegetables, and fruits can help balance temperament and reduce the possibility of violent behavior.

Sleep Patterns:

Researchers have found that poor sleep and lack of sleep can increase the risk of domestic violence, especially in people who are already vulnerable. There is undoubtedly a link between poor sleep and increased irritability and aggression. One study looked at a group of victims of domestic violence and found that half of the victims experienced violence within a few days after their partner slept poorly at night.

Of course, for many, the answer is not always as simple as “getting more sleep” or “going to bed earlier.” It is not always the quantity of sleep that matters, but it is quality. Many types of sleep disorders can cause a general sleep deficit, including some or all of the following:

• General insomnia
• Nightmares
• Narcolepsy
• Frequent sleep disturbances (discrete sleep)
• Snoring/sleep apnea
• Sleep behavior disorder REM (RBD)
• Circadian Rhythm Disorder

In other words, being tired and not getting enough sleep can lead to irritability and increased stress levels. On the contrary, it can make you act aggressively, especially towards people close to you, such as your spouse or partner. Proper medical treatment on time can reduce the risk of aggressive behavior towards a partner.

Contact a Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer Today:

Identifying behaviors and habits that can trigger violence can help you reduce your risk of re-committing domestic violence. If you are facing domestic violence charges, our Nashville criminal defense lawyer is ready to help you. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation with our lawyers.