Was Superbowl Sunday Fraught with Violence In your Home?

Domestic violence (DV) is a serious problem across the United States, impacting about 20 individuals every single minute. DV is rampant across socioeconomic levels, race, gender, religion, and every other category you can name.  It happens in heterosexual relationships as well as LGBTQ relationships.  Studies show that holidays and special events, particularly those that involve alcohol consumption, can be especially dangerous in many households.  That means Super Bowl Sunday may have been an intensely violent day for you or someone you know.

Red Flags 

Studies indicate that there are a number of indicators that can clue you that you may be interacting with a potential abuser. Some warning signs include:

• Frequent arguments on the topic of infidelity;
• Chronic substance abuse;
• Untreated mental health issues;
• Efforts to control others. 

DV on Super Bowl Sunday 

It appears that Super Bowl Sunday typically sees a surge in DV incidents across the country.  Is it the combination of alcohol and testosterone as viewers get amped up over the game?  While it’s unclear precisely what combination of factors makes this day dangerous, we do know that those in unhealthy relationships are at greater risk, particularly if control issues are an underlying problem. 

The Faces of Domestic Violence 

Domestic violence occurs between individuals who previously  or currently are involved in an intimate relationship, regardless of marital status.  While it may involve coercion, manipulation, and non-physical bullying, it often escalates to physical actions that are dangerous and that have long-lasting effects.  Examples of abuse include:

• Isolating victims: Abusers frequently try to keep their victims away from friends and family, forcing complete reliance on the abuser.  Support networks are severed through critical remarks, discrediting the victim, or controlling the contacts and movement of the victim.
• Psychological abuse: Abusers revel in the humiliation of their victims and find ways to demean and degrade them.  This may include a variety of mind games, name-calling, or even stalking.
• Controlling the cash: Abusers for complete financial reliance by refusing to allow the victim to earn money, by controlling the cash flow, or by destroying credit.
• Sexual abuse: Abusers may exhibit irrational jealousy, engage in sexual name-calling, refuse to allow birth control, and force unwanted sexual activity.
• Physical abuse: The range of activities in this category are myriad.  Hitting, biting, kicking, spitting, throwing things, burning, strangling, and locking a victim in or out of the home are all examples of abuse.

Escaping a Violent Marriage 

Are you a victim in a violent marriage?  Are your children suffering as well?  If so, are you considering divorce?  You need to believe that you deserve something better.  At WiseLieberman, PLLC, our Boca Raton domestic violence attorneys are committed to helping you move forward. Contact our office for a confidential consultation today.  We will help you on the road to safety.

Resource:

verywell.com/why-do-domestic-violence-victims-recant-66537