It’s Nearer Then You Know: Domestic Abuse
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 at the marketas 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 hit her business. The opposite is usually the truth; a recession increases the occurrence of domestic violence. Sadly, 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 victims of domestic violence every year in the United States . Domestic abuse towards men is thought 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 motivation and willingness to respond openly and honestly can also depend on the way the information is collected. A lot of victims are frightened or ashamed to admit abuse. However, by any definition or survey the levels of domestic abuse and violence are staggering. Although the abuse may differ , the intention seldom does. Domestic abuse is about gaining control over someone else in a relationship. Control is taken in any number of ways.
An abuser wanting to dominate and control another person can inflict many different forms of abuse. One form of abuse that is probably less apparent is psychological or emotional abuse. This usually means humiliating and diminishing the other person, attacking their 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 criticism or consequences. An abuser doesn’t hesitate to blame the victim for causing the abuse.
Another form of psychological abuse is isolation. An abuser will attempt to separate and control the victims access to family and friends. The abuser will often sabotage outside relationships, cutting the victim off from their resources and support. This is often done through guilt, threats and manipulation, sometimes so artfully accomplished the victim believes it was their own doing and desire.
Physical violence includes verbal abuse, 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 reported being injured by their domestic partner, boyfriend or girlfriend.
Who are the victims? Anyone walking down the street may be a victim of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse happens regardless of race, wealth, religious affiliation or sexual preference. A substantial number of domestic violence incidents involve reciprocated violence where each partner is victim and abuser. Domestic abuse continues to be a dangerous social problem that requires attention.
