There are many things that influence domestic violence and it appears that the economy is one of them. According to a recent study weighing the impact the recession has had on the country's law enforcement agencies, instances of domestic violence have increased throughout California and the rest of the United States as a result of the poor economy.

The study, which was reviewed by the Police Executive Research Forum, found that 56 percent of the law enforcement agencies surveyed said that the economy is a factor leading to an increase in domestic conflict. In 2010, a similar survey found that only 40 percent agreed with the same statement.

"You are dealing with households in which people have lost jobs or are in fear of losing their jobs," one police chief said. "That is an added stress that can push people to the breaking point."

It is true that life's stresses, including unemployment, can result in hostility in the home. Sometimes homes that were once safe can turn abusive as a result of these stresses. However, no matter what the reason for stress may be, domestic violence is never the answer.

People who have experienced an outbreak of domestic violence in their homes should consider filing for a restraining order. Restraining orders can help protect people who face genuine threats or forms of domestic violence, including verbal abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse or sexual abuse.

Along those same lines, people who have been wrongly accused of domestic abuse also face a scary situation. Domestic abuse charges are serious and could impact your parental rights or your ability to secure employment. This is why someone who has been wrongly accused of domestic abuse wants to take the charges very seriously.

Source: USA Today, "Domestic violence rises in sluggish economy, police report," Kevin Johnson, May 1, 2012