What is Domestic Violence?

Unfortunately, domestic violence is an all-too-common occurrence in the United States. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. Understanding the signs of an abusive relationship and how to leave a dangerous situation is vital to ensuring that any person suffering domestic violence has the best chances of escaping the situation before it spirals out of control. If you’re looking to better recognize domestic violence and how to avoid the cycle of violence that is common within abusive relationships, then keep reading. Please use this article as a guide, but if there’s ever an emergency, remember to call 911 or your local emergency number as soon as possible to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Domestic Violence Facts

One of the most difficult things for many people involved in an abusive relationship is to recognize that they are involved in a violent relationship. Domestic violence can take a variety of different forms ranging from sexual and physical abuse to emotional violence and threats. Abusive relationships always have an imbalance of power or control. The abuser will use hurtful and intimidating words to control their partner. While some abusive relationships are obvious from the outset, many are more insidious and start relatively minor, gradually increasing in severity over time. Some common forms of domestic violence include a partner who:

  • Calls you names or insults you
  • Tries to control whether or not you see a healthcare provider
  • Forces you to have sex or engage in sexual acts against your will
  • Blames you for their violent behavior or says that you deserve it
  • Tries to control how you spend money, what you wear, or where you go

Types Of Violence

As mentioned above, not all violence is physical and domestic violence frequently takes a variety of different forms within an abusive relationship. Below we’ve listed the most common forms of control and violence tactics abusers will use on their partners:

  • Online or digital abuse – This involves the abuser monitoring your social profiles and/or emails; or sharing intimate photos or videos without your consent using GPS or spyware.
  • Financial or economic control – This involves the abuser using or misusing money which limits their partner’s current and/or future actions.
  • Physical or sexual abuse – This is the most obvious type of abuse as it involves physical or sexual aggression to a partner.
  • Psychological and/or emotional abuse – This involves the abuser using emotionally manipulative measures such as gaslighting and blame to confuse and intimidate their partner.
  • Coercive control – This is a pattern of degradation, isolation, and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence.

Leisa - Family Matters Law Group If you’re concerned that you or a loved one may be involved in a domestic abuse situation and want mediation or legal guidance, contact the team at Family Matters Law Group. Their skilled attorneys take each client’s particular needs into account and create a plan of action based on their situation. Contact them today to schedule a meeting with an attorney.