Do you and your partner or spouse always fight? If so, have you ever been the subject and target of physical, verbal, or psychological abuse?
If you’ve answered yes to both questions, please know you’re not alone. Domestic dispute incidents, which occur when a person hurts another in their household, are so common they affect an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. every year. Fortunately, help is available for victims of domestic abuse and violence.
This guide shares insights on what you can do as a victim of a domestic dispute, so please read on.
Leave and Then Seek Refuge From People You Trust
Don’t wait for a domestic dispute to result in more severe physical and mental abuse. Instead, leave as soon as possible and do it quietly. Go to someone you can trust to shelter and protect you from your partner.
You shouldn’t alert your partner that you are leaving, either. This may further aggravate them, making them more likely to snap and resort to domestic violence to stop you.
Call the Local Authorities
Call the local law enforcement agency as soon as you’ve removed yourself from the domestic abuse situation. The authorities can handle your abuser to help protect you and your children, if you have any, from further potential violence. This is also an excellent time to speak with the police about getting a protection or restraining order.
Get Legal Representation
According to experts, the percentage of abusers who change their ways is very low.
So, if your partner has repeatedly said they will stop their horrible behavior, that’s a sign they may never change. For this reason, it’s imperative you already consider permanent separation. Otherwise, your unhappy home can become more than just that; it can become a site of criminal domestic violence.
When seeking legal representation, choose a family or divorce lawyer with experience in domestic disputes. The attorney you hire should also practice family law in your specific state. They’ll use their knowledge and skills to help you extract yourself from your abusive relationship.
Consider Therapy
Victims of domestic abuse and violence have an increased risk for mental health disorders. These include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Sometimes, they may even attempt or commit suicide.
Therapy can help you begin your journey to healing and recovery as a domestic violence victim. So, please see a licensed therapist specializing in such cases or join a domestic violence support group as soon as possible. You can also find domestic violence services near you through the help of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Domestic Dispute Incidents Can Become More Dangerous
Remember: A domestic dispute can quickly spiral out of control, especially if an abuser already has violent tendencies. This is why you shouldn’t stay and wait for an abusive partner to change, because it may never happen.
Instead, remove yourself from the situation, seek refuge, call the authorities, and hire a lawyer ASAP. Please consider therapy, too, as this can help with your mental health and well-being.
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Piran is the bestselling author of the Zobuz, TheHearus and other well known Blogs. Her books have sold hundred of copies and are published in different languages.
