What is domestic violence and abuse ?
When people think of domestic abuse, they often focus on domestic violence. But domestic abuse includes any attempt by one person in a marriage or intimate relationship to dominate and control the other. Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you. Many of the victims Are seeking the legal advice from best lawyers in Hamilton in domestic abuse crimes.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, sex, or gender identity. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Domestic violence occurs in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships and can happen to intimate partners who are married, living together, dating, or share a child.
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Perhaps the most recognized form, physical abuse may include behaviors such as:
Hitting,
Burning
Strangulation
Damaging personal property
Refusing medical care and/or controlling medication
Coercing partner into substance abuse
Use of weapons
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Emotional abuse occurs when an intimate partner seeks to control his/her loved one by:
Name calling, insulting
Shaming, humiliating
Isolation
Controlling what the partner does
FINANCIAL ABUSE
Any behavior that maintains power and control over finances constitutes financial abuse. Examples include causing a partner to lose their job through direct and indirect means, such as:
Inflicting physical harm or injury that would prevent the person from attending work
Harassing partner at their workplace
Fact: The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.
Yet it is estimated that less than 24% cases of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police in Hamilton. Don’t be one of the victims to not seek help.
Pregnancy, children, family members and domestic violence
Sometimes domestic violence begins or increases during pregnancy. Domestic violence puts your health and the baby’s health at risk. The danger continues after the baby is born.
Even if your child isn’t abused, simply witnessing domestic violence can be harmful. Children who grow up in abusive homes are more likely to be abused and have behavioral problems than are other children. As adults, they’re more likely to become abusers or think abuse is a normal part of relationships.
You might worry that telling the truth will further endanger you, your child or other family members and that it might break up your family. But seeking help is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Break the cycle
If you’re in an abusive situation, you might recognize this pattern:
- Your abuser threatens violence.
- Your abuser strikes.
- Your abuser apologizes, promises to change and offers gifts.
- The cycle repeats itself.
The longer you stay in an abusive relationship, the greater the physical and emotional toll. You might become depressed and anxious, or you might begin to doubt your ability to take care of yourself. You might feel helpless or paralyzed.
You may also wonder if the abuse is your fault a common point of confusion among survivors of domestic abuse that may make it more difficult to seek help.
Don’t take the blame
You may not be ready to seek help because you believe you’re at least partially to blame for the abuse in the relationship. Reasons may include:
- Your partner blames you for the violence in your relationship. Abusive partners rarely take responsibility for their actions.
- Your partner only exhibits abusive behavior with you. Abusers are often concerned with outward appearances and may appear charming and stable to those outside of your relationship. This may cause you to believe that his or her actions can only be explained by something you’ve done.