Domestic violence is rampant in the US. But the sad fact is that many victims decide not to report instances of domestic abuse to protect themselves. There are reports that say that the Californian law enforcement receives over 100,000 calls related to domestic violence each year.
As some of the incidences are never reported, the victims endure lifelong trauma. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's best to seek help.
Talking to a friend may help you in a way, but seeking the services of a domestic abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and help to put the abuser behind bars. One of the best ways to know if someone is being abused is by learning more about domestic violence.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to violent behavior from a partner in a home. It's when your partner abuses you, assaults you physically, intimidates, sexually harasses, or engages in other abusive behavior.
Many tend to associate physical abuse with domestic violence. Most of the time it takes various forms and can happen to anyone. The perpetrator could be a former partner, a date, or any other person, and it takes different forms like stalking, physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse.
Signs of Domestic Abuse
If you see such signs in someone close to you, know they may be suffering from domestic violence.
Here are some signs to let you understand more about domestic violence.
Isolation
When someone starts to be a loner, it could be signs of depression or suffering from domestic violence. It could be by missing social events, being confined to the house or residences in an unusual way, or being barred from contacting family and friends.
Fear-Driven Interactions
A domestic violence victim may show signs of abuse by constantly agreeing or pleasing their partner to avoid abuse. This may be a deliberate move to stop them from encountering further abuse, like beatings.
Sometimes, the victim may act afraid of meeting the partner, receive aggressive calls, or feeling compelled to disclose their feelings to the partner.
Frequent and Unexplainable Injuries
Victims of violence may try to hide injuries by brushing them off as mere accidents. In adverse cases, they may wear makeup or clothing to mask signs of violence, such as cuts and bruises. Victims may put on long-sleeved shirts during the summer or even sunglasses to cover the wounds.
Switch in House Roles
In most healthy relationships, partners often share roles. If your partner starts treating you as a servant or a small child, it may be a sign that they're in control of your life. For example, if your partner starts dictating what you should wear at a given time, something could be wrong and, if not attended to, may escalate.
Personality Changes
Something could be a miss if your once vibrant friend starts behaving awkwardly. It could be they start being antisocial, acting nervous or anxious, or having low self-esteem.
In adverse situations, domestic violence could cause one to start having mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. All these start from the first point of personality change.
Conclusion
It's a good idea to seek the services of a family lawyer for support and advice when you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. An attorney will ensure you fully recognize your rights as a victim of violence and find out ways to punish the abuser.
Domestic abuse lawyers are ready to help you get the freedom and justice you deserve. Schedule an appointment to discuss your case details and ensure the abuser is put under the strong arm of the law.
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