Archive for November, 2009

PostHeaderIcon Domestic Violence Is More Then Hitting

The term “I love her to death” has a gruesome reality behind it. One in four women has experienced some form of domestic violence. Imagine every fourth woman on the streetas a victim of domestic abuse. A Las Vegas domestic abuse lawyer never has to seek clients. A Las Vegas domestic violence lawyer hopes the recession would hit her business. The opposite is generally the case; a recession increases the occurrence of domestic violence. Sadly, there is far more violence within the home then can easily be imagined.

Depending on the survey , it is estimated that 600,000 to 6 million women are victims of domestic violence every year in the United States . Domestic abuse towards men is thought to be between 100,000 to 1 million a year. Gathering accurate statistics on domestic violence and abuse can be difficult for a number of reasons. The definition of abuse can vary depending on the survey. The impetus and ability to respond openly and honestly can also depend on the way the information is collected. A lot of victims are scared or ashamed to admit abuse. However, by any definition or survey the levels of domestic abuse and violence are staggering. While the form of abuse may vary , the reasons for it seldom does. Domestic abuse is about gaining control over someone else in a relationship. Control is taken in many of ways.

An abuser wanting to dominate and control another person can resort to several different forms of abuse. A method of control that is likely less apparent is psychological or emotional abuse. This often involves humiliating and diminishing the other person, attempting to destroy their self-confidence. Often a person trying to take or maintain control in relationship will be quick to blame making preemptive strikes to keep the other person on the defensive. Blame muddies the issues helping the abuser avoid responsibility for their own actions. An abuser doesn’t hesitate to blame the victim for causing the abuse.

Another form of psychological abuse is isolation. An abuser will make an effort to remove the victim from contact with family and friends. The abuser will often undermine outside relationships, making it difficult for the victim to have a support network. This is often done through guilt, threats and manipulation, sometimes so artfully accomplished the victim believes it was their own doing and desire.

Physical intimidation includes verbal abuse, breaking of physical objects, throwing items, and hitting, kicking, slapping and biting. Any form of unwanted and forced physical contact is abuse. In 1994, 37% of women seeking medical attention in an emergency room for violence related injuries stated they were injured by their domestic partner, boyfriend or girlfriend.

Who are the abused? Anyone breathing air may encounter domestic violence. Domestic abuse crosses racial, economic, gender, religious and political lines. A substantial number of domestic violence incidents involve reciprocated violence where each partner is victim and abuser. Domestic abuse continues to be a a vital issue that requires attention.