I did not read the entire thread, so maybe this information was already shared. Kendrick Nunn was initially charged with domestic battery, but pleaded / pled to simple battery. There is some confusion about the legal meaning of these terms. First, in Illinois, there are 2 kinds of battery -- domestic or not; (1) intentional contact that causes bodily injury, and (2) intentional contact of an insulting or provoking nature. The Assistant SA said Nunn was arrested for the latter kind, so we can safely conclude the victim did not suffer any significant bodily injuries.
Second, Domestic Battery applies when the victim is a family or household member as defined by the IL Domestic Violence Act. While fairly broad, the definition specifically excludes casual acquaintances or "ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in business or social contexts." Here is a summary provided by the AG:
- family members related by blood;
- people who are married or used to be married;
- people who share or used to share a home, apartment, or other common dwelling;
- people who have or allegedly have child in common or a blood relationship through a child in common;
- people who are dating or engaged or used to date, including same sex couples; and
- people with disabilities and their personal assistants
Based on what I have read, it appears that the police applied a loose interpretation of "dating or engaged or used to date" in both the Tate and Nunn cases. There is also a tendency both in media and on fan boards to conflate 'domestic violence' with 'violence against women;' which reflects a paternalistic cis- / hetero-normative bias. Moreover, as some noted; a single isolated event of domestic battery is not really 'domestic violence' either, as that involves a pattern.
Finally, I offer no opinion on an appropriate punishment for Kendrick Nunn. I'll trust the AD and HC to make the right decision, since they likely have access to information I lack.
