Domestic Violence is More Than Just Physical Abuse

When people hear the word “domestic violence,” they often picture a helpless woman or child bruised or beaten by a violent husband, boyfriend, or father. It’s important to nix this stereotype in the butt, as this does not even begin to scrape the surface as to what constitutes domestic violence.

First, women and children are not the only victims of domestic violence. Men can be victims of domestic violence too, and more and more studies, research, and statistics are proving that fact. But it’s important for people to realize that domestic violence is not just physical abuse. There are other forms of abuse that constitute domestic violence, including:

• Emotional and Psychological Abuse: This type of abuse is meant to chip away at the victim’s feelings of self-worth and independence. Examples of emotional/physical abuse include yelling, name-calling, intimidation, blaming, shaming, and making verbal threats.
• Sexual Abuse: Anytime a person is forced or manipulated into having sex or engaging in sexual behavior, especially unwanted, unsafe, or degrading sex, it is considered sexual abuse.
• Economic and Financial Abuse: When an abuser tries to control the victim through finances and money it is referred to as economic or financial abuse. Examples of this type of abuse include controlling the victim’s finances, withholding money, accounting for every penny spent, withholding basic necessities, preventing the victim from getting a job or choosing their own career, sabotaging the victim’s job, and stealing money from the victim.
• Child Neglect: When a parent fails to ensure their child’s basic needs are cared for, thus putting the child’s best interest in jeopardy, the parent can be charged with child neglect. Failing to provide food and water, failure to ensure the child receives an education, and failing to ensure the child receives medical attention when needed are all examples of child neglect.

It’s important to identify when domestic violence is occurring quickly so you can get the help you need. Despite what your “loved one” might tell you or have you believe, you do not deserve this treatment and you do have every right to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Stand up for yourself and get the protection and relief you deserve by contacting an experienced domestic violence attorney today!