Whenever a domestic violence arrest occurs there are usually very specific issues that have happened. As a misdemeanor offense, typically officers will attempt to separate the offender and the victim and offer the victim the opportunity to relocate to a local domestic violence shelter. The offender, which can be either male or female, is then placed under arrest, without the need for a warrant. At this point in time it is actually the officer that is pressing the charges, not the victim. The victim cannot revoke the charges and the officer will not release the alleged offender at the victims request or wishes. In cases where it is not clear which person or persons were the offenders and which were the victims, all parties, usually a male and a female, may both be arrested and taken to jail. At the hearing misdemeanor domestic violence charges can be placed against both parties in this situation.