Violence in the home is a serious matter that warrants professional help. In most communities, it is a taboo subject; thus, the victims are left to suffer. While it is common, most people hesitate to help, especially when it is a spousal issue. But domestic violence does not only refer to intimate partners, a child or an older person whose safety is at risk. One way for us to help them is first to understand the types of domestic violence that they are experiencing. Secondly, we should be ready to recommend an Appleton criminal lawyer to provide them with immediate legal assistance.
People who experience violence need all the help they can get even if they think they don’t need it. Here are the types of Domestic Violence that you should look out for and save a loved one in need.
Physical Violence
When we hear the term “violence,” most of us think of the physical abuse or injury to the victim. It can include beating, hitting, kicking, slapping, pushing, pulling, restraining, breaking bones, assault, burning and others. Physical violence can lead to severe injuries, loss of body parts and even death.
Sexual Violence
This kind of domestic violence happens when an abuser forces himself upon his partner when she doesn’t want to or when it feels unsafe or degrading for her. Sexual violence is usually linked with physical abuse as it can occur together or one after another. When two people are living intimately, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a partner can demand sex from his or her partner. If one of them doesn’t want to have sex and it is forced on them, then it constitutes rape. In other instances, some events are referred to as “domestic abuse” instead of “violence” because they leave no bruises or physical scars. Yet these abuses can eventually lead to violence.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse has no outward indications that a victim is emotionally abused. It can be more damaging than physical violence because a person heals differently when they experience this type of abuse. A victim may have undergone victim-blaming, name-calling, harassment, embarrassment, sarcasm, criticism, aggression to instil fear.
Financial Abuse
Financial or economic abuse means taking total control of the finances and prevents the partner from leaving the relationship. When financial abuse happens, one partner with-holds money and resources from his or her partner. It may also include exploiting their resources for personal pleasure or stealing and defrauding the partner’s money and assets.
Spiritual Abuse
In this case, an abuser may manipulate the victim by preventing him or her from practicing their religious beliefs. They may also make fun of the person for practicing religion and force the children into a faith that the other partner does not agree with.
An abuser can inflict different types of abuse to his or her victim. When you understand these methods, you become aware of the signs that someone possibly needs your help. If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or any forms of abuse, ask them discreetly if they need help. Avoid being forceful; instead, open an invitation to talk if they feel like they need someone to talk to. Who knows, you might even save a life.
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