October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize victims and raise awareness about domestic violence across the nation. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior which may include physical, sexual, emotional, economic or other abuse perpetrated against an intimate partner.
Types of Domestic Abuse
Victims of abuse may be subjected to physical harm and/or intimidation using fear and threats. An abuser may damage a victim’s self-confidence and self-worth through ridicule, insults and shame. Victims are often isolated from supportive relationships with family and friends and may be victims of financial exploitation that can include taking a victim’s money or refusing to provide money for necessities.
Lasting Effects of Domestic Abuse
According to the CDC, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men suffer from abuse by an intimate partner in their lifetime; 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Victims of domestic physical and sexual abuse often develop disabling short or long term post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Survivors of domestic abuse have a substantially higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders that perpetuate the impact of abuse.
Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse
Fortunately help is available. The Domestic Violence Hotline 847-221-5690 can provide victims and their families with information regarding resources such as emergency safe houses, transitional housing, and community based services that can help a victim of abuse and their children get the help they need. Closer to home, A Safe Place provides services to victims of domestic violence in Lake County Illinois.
Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney for Help
If you or a family member is a victim of domestic violence at the hands of an abusive spouse, it is helpful to discuss your concerns with an experienced family law attorney who can help you with orders of protection, child custody and support, temporary spousal maintenance, division of property, and other issues related to divorce. Contact the Libertyville law office of Ronald L Bell & Associates for immediate assistance at 847-495-6000.