Domestic violence is any physical, sexual or mental health harm caused by harmful behavior within a romantic relationship. Both physical and psychological problems are related to domestic violence. Note that domestic violence can happen between couples, no matter what their gender or sexual orientation may be and even if they don’t live together. Unfortunately, domestic violence is commonplace, and the horror and unbearable pain of it is often too much for many to talk about. Even kids get hurt from domestic violence, as they see the terror of their parents’ physical abuse.
Different Kinds of Domestic Violence
The most common ways of knowing domestic violence are the following:
- Psychological aggression is using words or gestures to hurt a partner’s emotional well-being on purpose and in order to dominate your spouse.
- Sexual violence is any sexual contact that takes place against the will of one or both parties. This includes both physical and non-physical acts, such as sending obscene texts.
- Stalking is the unwelcome attention or repeated contact by another person, which can cause fear for the safety of a partner or close relatives. It’s about forced communication-verbal, written or implied.
- Physical violence includes hitting, kicking, and slapping one’s partner as well as any other attack involving the use of physical force to inflict injury upon him or her.
Such actions may harm relationships and are often indicators of more serious domestic violence. These demands, whether verbal or physical, limit a partner’s freedoms and keep them from having relationships in the outside world with friends or relatives.
Mental Health Impact
A woman who has suffered domestic violence may or may not suffer from, among other mental problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts and depression. To this extent, a single traumatic event usually results in more superficial psychological symptoms than chronic and repeated trauma. Also, individuals who survived domestic violence are more likely to encounter health problems than those men and women who have never experienced such abuse. Many cases of domestic violence are unnoticed, but they can sometimes result in traumatic brain injuries or nonfatal strangulation. It also leads to unwanted pregnancies and problems for mother and child.
Way to Support Victims of Domestic Violence
There are a great many things one can do to help the victim of domestic violence. There are three ways to help them:
- You can try to mention domestic violence by letting the individual know you are worried about them. If a domestic victim suddenly loses communication with close friends and family or hides bruises, this may also be a sign that they need help.
- You can reassure the person that anything they tell you is entirely confidential.
- Give the person enough room to completely express themselves. People should wait to pass judgment, or ask questions till they finish. Give them comfort and support.
Conclusion:
Domestic violence is unfortunately a very common problem, and there are many different forms of domestic violence that exist. Being a victim of domestic violence can result in a negative impact on mental health and a number of other collateral consequences. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, contact the Law Offices of David A. Breston to help defend you.
