Common Misconceptions Regarding Domestic Violence
Society as a whole understands that domestic violence is wrong. A person’s heart breaks when they hear a story about the violence behind the closed doors of a seemingly normal household. However, there is still very little comprehension about what domestic violence is and the reasons it continues to plague almost every culture.
A high level definition of domestic violence is the abuse, physically or emotionally, of one individual against another in a living situation that is considered domestic such as cohabitation or marriage. The term “intimate partner” is often used in a situation where the abuse is carried out by a spouse or a party in an intimate relationship. The gender of the person committing the abuse or the sexual orientation of the relationship is irrelevant.
Domestic Violence Statistics
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
- Almost 1,200 people per hour are abused physically by an intimate partner on average in the U.S. Annually, that is over 10 million men and women.
- A third of women and a quarter of men have been victims of physical abuse by their partner in one form or another.
- Across the country, nearly 30,000 calls are made to hotlines to report domestic violence daily.
- Of all the violent crime statistics reported in the United States, violent acts committed by an intimate partner comprise 15%.
Shedding Light on the Stigma of Domestic Violence
To help clarify possible misconceptions about domestic violence, below are five important points you should know.
- Domestic violence is not only about abuse physically. It can be mistreatment emotionally and economically as well as sexually. The mental image of domestic violence may be easier to envision as a battered wife, but that is an over-simplification. The concept that, if there are no marks or bruises, a person hasn’t been abused is grossly incorrect.
- Domestic violence is about one person attempting to dominate and control the other. Violence can take many forms, but the configuration of control remains the same.
- If there is ongoing violence taking place, counseling may not be an ideal solution. Often, attempting to get an abusive partner into counseling escalates the violence. In certain situations, it is advised the person who is the abuser seek treatment for anger management before engaging in another form of counseling.
- Domestic violence is prevalent among all social classes, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and geographic locations.
- Those who remain in an abusive relationship have many reasons for doing so. They may not have the means to leave. They may have seen the same happen with their parents and believe their situation is normal. They may stay because they are fearful of what will happen to their children if they leave. The reasons for staying are many and varied.
If You are Abused, Get the Help You Need Today
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, it is important that you contact a domestic violence lawyer in Boca Raton as soon as possible. The experienced attorneys at WiseLieberman, PLLC are waiting to help you through your situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for help.
