Police officers were alerted after witnesses reported a man walking down an alley and brandishing a large knife. They soon learned that the man had just allegedly committed a violent domestic assault on his estranged wife, stabbing her several times before fleeing the scene. The woman was airlifted to a nearby medical center and was reported to be in critical condition.

Witnesses reported that the man would wave the knife around while swearing. Police officers attempted to persuade the man to surrender, but he refused. The officers continued to follow the man as he continued down the street while holding the knife to his own throat. The man was finally apprehended after officers used a Taser, and he was transported to a local medical center.

The state of Washington takes accusations of domestic abuse very seriously. If an incident of domestic violence or spousal abuse is reported, the accused individual will be arrested and aggressively prosecuted. A restraining order, also known as a no contact order, will also be issued.

While these actions are taken to protect individuals who are victims of domestic assault, an individual can use false accusations of verbal, emotional or physical abuse in court to gain the advantage. This has become common in child custody battles where one spouse claims spousal abuse in order to gain temporary custody of any children.

False and unfounded accusations of domestic abuse can result in prosecutors labeling the individual as a manipulative batterer. This label can potentially have devastating effects on the accused individuals social and economic situation.

Source: Komo News, "Monroe knife attack leaves woman in critical condition", May 24, 2013