Domestic Abuse: Someone You Know Is In An Abusive Relationship
The term “I love her to death” has a brutal truth behind it. One in four women has been through some form of domestic violence. Imagine every fourth woman at the marketas a victim of domestic abuse. A Las Vegas domestic abuse lawyer never has to seek clients. A Las Vegas domestic violence lawyer wishes the recession would hit her business. The opposite is generally the case; a recession increases the occurrence of domestic violence. Sadly, there is a lot more domestic violence then most people realizes.
Using data from various surveys, it is estimated that 600,000 to 6 million women are victims of domestic violence every year in the United States . Domestic violence towards men is estimated to be between 100,000 to 1 million a year. Collecting good data on domestic violence and abuse can be challenging for a number of reasons. The definition of abuse can vary depending on the survey. The impetus and ability to respond openly and honestly can also depend on the survey and the techniques for gathering information. A lot of victims are frightened or ashamed to admit abuse. Regardless, by any definition or survey the levels of domestic abuse and violence are staggering. While the form of abuse may vary , the reasons for it seldom does. Domestic violence is about controlling another person. This is done in many of ways.
When one person wishes to control another in relationship they often inflict many different forms of abuse. A method of control that is likely less apparent is psychological or emotional abuse. This usually means humiliating and diminishing the other person, attempting to destroy their self-confidence. Many times a person trying to take or maintain control in relationship will use blame like an offensive weapon to keep the other person on the defensive. Blame muddies the issues helping the abuser avoid criticism or consequences. An abuser doesn’t hesitate to blame the victim for their abusive behavior.
Another form of psychological abuse is isolation. An abuser will attempt to remove the victim from contact with family and friends. The abuser will often sabotage outside relationships, making it difficult for the victim to have a support network. The abuser uses guilt, threats and manipulation, sometimes so artfully accomplished the victim believes it was their own doing and desire.
Physical intimidation includes screaming and yelling, breaking of physical objects, throwing items, and hitting, kicking, slapping and biting. Any form of unwanted and forced physical contact is abuse. In 1994, 37% of women seeking emergency room medical care for violence related injuries reported being injured by their domestic partner, boyfriend or girlfriend.
Who becomes abused? Anyone breathing air may be a victim of domestic abuse. Domestic violence crosses racial, economic, gender, religious and political lines. Many cases of abuse involve reciprocated violence where both partners become abusive. Domestic violence continues to be a a vital issue that requires attention.