Giving Your Partner An STD Could Now Be Domestic Violence

A Long Island judge made national news recently, when 100% of a divorcing couple’s assets were granted to the aggrieved wife after ruling that her husband, gave her an STD. This made STD transmission a form of domestic violence in the process. As a groundbreaking decision, the ruling raises interesting questions around what might be considered domestic violence. But is this case an outlier, or does it truly open new doors for how victims could seek justice against their abusers? Well, let’s take a closer look at Judge Edmund Dane’s decision to determine its possible wider impact on domestic violence victims and their families.

Have you been affected by domestic violence issues? The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help. Contact us now on 888.535.3686 or online to get the support you need.

The Case Against Saxton

Thomas Saxton is a known drug abuser with a history of violence towards his now ex-wife, who remains anonymous. Saxton committed various acts of harm against her, including pulling a gun on her, throwing a frying pan at her, and bringing a lover home while she and their child were present.

Before they split in 2022, Saxton’s wife contracted HPV and herpes allegedly from Saxton’s numerous extramarital affairs. These infections lead to surgery to remove cancerous cervical cells, and she’ll be on medication indefinitely.

Knowingly passing another an STD can be a criminal offense in NY. But this case centered around how the couple’s assets should be distributed after their divorce, and whether the STD could be considered an act of domestic violence. Why is this relevant? Well, because the courts can consider domestic violence when determining a fair division of assets in divorce proceedings, the greater the case against Saxton, the higher the chances of the wife securing a larger–– and fairer–– settlement.

Judge Dane’s Decision

Judge Dane ruled entirely in the wife’s favor, awarding her 100% of the divorce assets, including bank accounts and home sale proceeds. As part of his decision, Judge Dane considered the STDs as domestic violence and determined this settlement to be fair and reasonable. He also considered the wife’s long-term pain and suffering, her mental anguish, and the pattern of Saxton’s violent behavior towards her. The case is groundbreaking as being the first in the state to formally consider STDs as domestic violence and feature as such in divorce proceedings.

Are STD’s Now Domestic Violence?

Not necessarily. For one thing, we must remember that Saxton had a history of violence towards his spouse––passing her STDs is only one of the acts of harm committed against her. She also suffered considerable emotional and physical harm due to contracting HPV, as she’s now on long-term medication to manage her symptoms. But what’s significant about this case not just in NY, but more widely, is how it widens the potential acts which could be considered “harm” under domestic violence laws, paving the way for victims to seek justice and argue a compelling case before a judge.

Retain Premier Family Law Attorneys

Domestic abuse is traumatic and emotionally debilitating, which is why you need compassionate, dedicated, and experienced attorneys to help you overcome the challenges involved. And this is where the LLF Law Firm comes in. Whether it’s helping you handle a Protection from Abuse (PFA) issue or resolving a child custody matter, we’re on hand to support you through every step of any domestic abuse or related family matter. We’ll answer your questions, help you make informed decisions, and ensure you feel supported and understood throughout the process.

Do not feel as though you must suffer domestic abuse issues alone. Call now on 888.535.3686 or reach us online to get the LFF Law Firm Family Law Team on your side.