Domestic violence assault charges are commonly pressed against an individual when police are called to any type of domestic disturbance. While the greatest number of these cases are between husbands and wives, family members, boyfriends and girlfriends or common-law spouses, anyone living in the same residence can be charged with domestic violence, even if they are not married or related by blood. Domestic violence assault charges are not instigated by the victim, nor can they be revoked by the victim, the District Attorney or prosecutor is actually the one pressing the charges on behalf of the victim. There are different degrees or levels of domestic violence assault charges but all have very serious long and short term consequences. In some areas these charges can lead to up to one year in jail and significant fines, combined with no-contact orders or protective orders between the offender and the victim. Violation of a no-contact or protective order is typically very serious and will result in jail time.