Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
IANAL but my understanding is that some jurisdictions permit domestic abuse to be prosecuted even if the victim declines to press charges. With all those witnesses and video, this case would seem to be a clear candidate, although if the guy didn't require medical care, maybe it's not considered "severe enough."
That's what drives me nuts about domestic violence laws. The victims often don't press charges because they are so afraid of repercussions of doing so. It should be automatic that charges are filed whether the victim cooperates or not. The victim should also get access to counseling. And while this might not have caused severe injury, the thing about DV is that it often escalates and therefore every incident should be seen as severe