When most people think of domestic violence, they picture a man threatening his wife, or a boyfriend striking his girlfriend. They generally imagine a male as the aggressor. However, domestic violence can involve any family members, including fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers and even sisters.

This week, a 55-year-old city councilwoman from Clifton, New Jersey, was arrested after a heated dispute with her sister. According to authorities, the councilwoman and her sister were having a discussion when the two began to argue about weight. The police believe the councilwoman ultimately punched and kicked her sister, causing several bones to be broken.

Someone eventually called the police around 11:30 Sunday evening from the councilwoman's home. The woman's sister met law enforcement officers in the driveway and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital, where she was treated for a broken nose and fractured tailbone.

The councilwoman was charged with domestic violence and aggravated assault. The defendant denied that she attacked her sister, and she pleaded not guilty in municipal court in Passaic. She was released on $1,500 bail and is due back in court March 16.

The councilwoman, a Passaic native, was elected to the Clifton City Council in 2010. Clifton officials say the alleged incident will not affect her ability to remain on the council.

A domestic dispute among any members of a family can result in serious consequences. Therefore, regardless of who is charged of committing domestic abuse or assault, it is important that the accused person hire an experienced defense lawyer to protect his or her interests.

Source: CBS New York, "N.J. Councilwoman Faces Charges After Sister Fight," 22 Feb. 2011