It’s Nearer Then You Think: Domestic Violence
The phrase “I love her to death” has a brutal truth behind it. One in four women has experienced some form of domestic violence. Try visualizing 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 decrease her work. The reverse is generally the case; 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 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 description of abuse can be a wide or more narrow definition 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. Many people are scared or ashamed to admit abuse. However, by any definition or survey it is an alarming amount of abuse. Although the abuse may differ , the reasons for it seldom does. Domestic abuse is about gaining control over someone else in a relationship. This is done in many 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, 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 is often used to avoid responsibility for their own actions. 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, 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 a form of violence. 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 are the victims? Anyone walking down the street may encounter domestic violence. Domestic violence happens regardless of race, wealth, religious affiliation or sexual preference. Many cases of abuse involve reciprocated violence where each partner is victim and abuser. Domestic violence continues to be a dangerous social problem that requires attention.
