The fact that domestic abuse numbers have been on the rise since March of last year should be cause for alarm. Nobody wants to fall victim to domestic abuse, but it’s been proven that whenever there’s a strain on the economy, there, too comes a strain on the relationships between couples.
Disagreements and arguments are normal; you don’t always have to see eye to eye with your partner, but we need to draw the line on some things. Domestic abuse comes in many forms and isn’t limited to physical harm. This sometimes makes it difficult to detect whether a partner is being abusive or not. This article is meant to help readers in this regard.
Types of Domestic Abuse
When most people mention domestic abuse, they often think of physical and sexual harm. There are several other types of domestic abuse such as:
- Emotional abuse – Characterized by a person who tries to control a victim by regularly attacking his or her self-worth.
- Financial abuse – A type of abuse that leaves a victim at a financial disadvantage through the misuse, deprivation, undue control, or even theft.
- Psychological abuse – Refers to the use of intimidation, isolation, and fear to control the behavior of a victim.
How Should Victims Respond to Their Abusers?
Detect and Accept
The first step should always be to determine whether a particular act is a form of domestic abuse. Most victims try to justify their abuser’s actions and are wholly convinced that the situation will improve. Again, numbers don’t lie. Almost 20 people per minute are physically abused by a partner in the U.S., which is about 10 million women and men per year.
Call for Help
There are many resources that are dedicated to dealing with domestic abuse cases. If you’re in immediate danger, always call the police, but if you’re able to leave without a heated encounter, then do so. There are also a number of domestic abuse hotlines that you can call to help you leave safely.
Moving On
One frightening aspect of leaving an abusive partner is the loss of certain securities, like a shelter, money, and in some cases, company. There are many agencies and resources that cater specifically to domestic abuse victims. Whether it’s in the form of a therapist, support groups, or even a Texas Family Lawyer, there is no shortage of help available. Don’t forget your friends and family, either. While moving on is going to be a struggle, it’s also something necessary if you want to continue to grow as a person.
With the rate number of domestic abuse cases in the country, the importance of drawing the line between a normal misunderstanding and manipulative behavior cannot be emphasized enough, especially when we consider that there are many deaths that are a result of domestic violence. Knowing what to do and where to get help can mean the difference between a prolonged tortuous relationship and a second chance at life.
