Domestic violence is a serious and prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can take multiple forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources and legal remedies available to help. We will list all those in this featured article so you can become safe!
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a symptom of abusive behaviour in any committed relationship. During this action, one partner uses to gain or maintains power and control over the other. The victim can be any of the partners, and the violence can include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
What are the Types of Domestic Violence?
A definition from Lloydminster lawyers described four types of domestic violence that can occur from a couple who are married or in a common law union relationship. They are physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
- Physical abuse: Physical abuse comprises hitting, kicking, slapping, choking, and other forms of physical violence.
- Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse includes verbal threats, insults, put-downs, and other forms of emotional manipulation.
- Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse refers to forced sexual contact, unwanted touching, and other forms of sexual assault.
- Financial abuse: Financial abuse is controlling someone’s finances, preventing them from getting a job, or taking their money.
The above violence can happen according to a cycle of violence, meaning some events can lead to the final stage—more on this in the later section.
What is the Cycle of Domestic Violence?
The cycle of domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour that often repeats itself. It typically starts with tension building, later happens in real and the abuser tries to level everything at a point. 78% of the domestic acts of violence take place in this cycle.
- Tension Building: This stage is characterized by increasing tension and partner arguments.
- The Acute Incident: This is the stage when the abuse occurs.
- The Honeymoon Stage: This stage is characterized by the abuser apologizing for their behaviour and promising to change.
What are the Impacts of Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can have an unrecoverable impact on victims, both physically and emotionally. It can lead to physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. The victim cannot hold down a job, and the children become psychologically imbalanced after seeing such horrible incidents.
Who Can Be a Victim of Domestic Violence?
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of their age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. According to the current situation of society, some groups are at higher risk than others, including:
- Women
- Children
- People with disabilities
- Elderly people
What to Do If You are Experiencing Domestic Violence?
If you are experiencing domestic violence, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are resources and legal remedies available to help you. Here are some steps you can take to protect your life—
- Talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or advocate. Call a domestic violence helpline for anonymous support and resources.
- Shelters have safe housing and support services for victims of domestic violence and their children.
- A protection order is a court order that prohibits the abuser from contacting or harming you. You can get help filing a protection order from a lawyer or advocate.
- You can file the incident. Police can investigate the situation and take appropriate action.
- Pack an emergency bag with essential items, such as important documents, medication, and a change of clothes.
- Tell a trusted friend or family member where and when you expect to return.
- Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help you cope with the stress and trauma of domestic violence.
- A therapist can help you quickly recover from the emotional effects.
What are the Legal Remedies for Domestic Violence?
There are several legal remedies available to victims of domestic violence. These include protective orders, divorce, child custody, and criminal charges.
- Protective Orders: A protective order is a court order that prohibits the abuser from contacting or harming you.
- Divorce: You may be able to file for divorce from your abuser if they have committed domestic violence.
- Child Custody: If you have children, you may be able to get a court order that gives you primary custody of your children.
- Criminal Charges: The abuser partner may be arrested and charged with a crime, such as assault or battery.
Conclusion
Domestic violence is a serious issue, but there is help available. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please reach out for help.
Experts criminal or divorce lawyers can help you overcome the situation, guiding you like a family member.
