“False accusations happen commonly when your partner wants to have power over you or the situation,” says Renteria.
Under state and federal laws, including the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the term “abuse” goes beyond physical abuse and includes harassment, intimidation of a dependent, and generally interfering with someone’s personal liberty.1
Blocking the door during a heated argument and yelling or touching your spouse, even while you're saying, “Please stop. I love you!” may just land you in jail.