What is Considered Domestic Violence?

By Staff Reporter Mar 16, 2021 03:22 PM EDT

For domestic violence to exist, it is not always necessary for the perpetrator to be aware that it is happening. On the flip side, in some cases, victims of domestic violence might not interpret it as such until it's too late. Since it is something so pervasive, respecting no one, no matter their age, gender, or social or economic standing, it is important to be familiar with what it is, how it is manifested, and what to do in case you find yourself a victim to domestic violence.

There are different types of abusive behavior that are used to control another person and constitute domestic violence. Among them:

Physical Violence

As the first term that comes to mind when thinking about domestic violence, physical violence is expressed in many forms. Not only does it cover hitting, battering, shoving, punching, biting, and cutting, it also refers to the act of denying someone healthcare or forcing someone to use drugs or consume alcohol.

Psychological Abuse

This involves the use of fear through intimidation, threats to hurt the victim or the children and family, as well as threats to injure or kill the pets. Also, keeping the victim isolated, not allowing them to leave the house, see family or friends, attend school, or go to work.

Emotional Abuse

This type of violence involves ridding the victim of any sense of self-worth and doing away with their self-esteem. It is carried out through inflicting constant criticism, damaging the relationship the victim has with their children, and undermining the victim's abilities.

Sexual Abuse

The victim in these cases is coerced to perform sexual acts against their own wishes. It involves marital rape, sexual attacks, forceful sex, and demeaning the victim sexually.

Economic Abuse

The victim is made to rely completely on the abuser who holds absolute control over every last cent in the relationship. The victim has no access to funds and is not allowed to go to school or to work.

Stalking and Cyberstalking

This happens when the abuser follows the victim in real life or online, harassing them, sending messages or gifts, and, in general, performing acts that result in emotional distress for the recipient.

Who are the most common victims of domestic violence?

Although before domestic violence was defined as acts committed against a wife, these days it is understood that it can happen to anyone regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or religion. Nowadays it is not necessary for a victim to be married to the abuser. Domestic abuse can also happen between people who are dating, people who are simply living together, children, and other family members. And who can obtain a protective order against an abuser is not only a wife but it can be anyone cohabitating with the abuser, roommates, and even partners who do not share the same physical address.

Are you the victim of domestic violence or do you worry about someone who is?

Domestic violence is a crime that should never bee taken lightly, particularly since its consequences can dramatically alter your life or that of everyone around you. Going to https://hernandez-hamilton.com/domestic-violence/ will give you the opportunity to understand more about domestic violence and how a domestic violence attorney might be able to help.