Domestic Abuse Is Not Just Physical
The phrase “I love her to death” has a brutal truth behind it. One in four women has experienced some form of domestic violence. Imagine every fourth woman on the streetas a victim of domestic abuse. A Las Vegas domestic abuse lawyer doesn’t have to seek clients. A Las Vegas domestic violence lawyer wishes the recession would decrease her work. The reverse is generally the case; a recession increases the occurrence of domestic violence. Painfully, there is a lot more domestic violence then most people realizes.
Depending on the survey , it is estimated that 600,000 to 6 million women are subjected to domestic abuse in the United States on an annual basis . Domestic violence towards men is thought to be between 100,000 to 1 million a year. Gathering accurate statistics on domestic violence and abuse can be difficult for a number of reasons. The description of abuse can vary depending on the survey. The motivation and willingness 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. Although the abuse may differ , the intention seldom does. Domestic violence is about gaining control over someone else in a relationship. This is done in any number of ways.
An abuser wanting to dominate and control another person can resort to several different forms of abuse. A method of control that is likely under reported is psychological or emotional abuse. This usually means humiliating and diminishing the other person, attempting to destroy their self-confidence. Often a person trying to take or maintain control in relationship will be quick to blame making preemptive strikes to keep the other person on the defensive. Blame muddies the issues helping the abuser avoid responsibility for their own actions. Many abusers will even blame the victim for causing the abuse.
Another form of emotional control is isolation. An abuser will make an effort to remove the victim from contact with family and friends. The abuser will often sabotage outside relationships, cutting the victim off from their resources and support. 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 medical attention in an emergency room for violence related injuries stated they were injured by their domestic partner, boyfriend or girlfriend.
Who are the abused? Anyone walking down the street may encounter domestic violence. 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 dangerous social problem that requires attention.