Domestic violence, also referred to as spousal abuse, can be defined as behavioral patterns that are used to establish dominance and maintain control over a family member or domestic partner. Whether it is intimidation, psychological abuse, violence, threats, or isolating the person in order to bully or control them, the techniques of domestic violence are damaging and detrimental to the person on the receiving end. Violence isn’t something that has to occur often as long as the victim is feeling constantly terrorized.

The law looks for broken bones or bruises in order to identify domestic violence, but these are signs that might not always be present. Domestic violence or spousal abuse will always leave emotional scars that run deep for the victim. Whether a spouse, infant, child, or parent, the effects of domestic violence are ever present.

Domestic violence can include many types of damaging mistreatment that a woman or man experience at the hands of their common law, marital, or partner. Domestic violence can occur while the relationship is just beginning, when the victim begins to feel safe and secure, while the relationship is deteriorating, or anytime in between. There is no pattern for domestic violence or its abusers, only that it is a larger problem than most realize.

There is more than one form of domestic violence and unfortunately the victims are subjected to more than one form. Domestic violence can be emotional abuse, physical abuse, and even sexual abuse.

Physical domestic violence will sometimes be just one incident that occurred or it may become an ongoing recurring event. When physical force has been used in such a way that injures a person or subjects them to the risk of being injured it is considered domestic violence (spousal abuse). Hitting, pushing, biting, choking, beating, kicking, burning, or assault with a weapon is all unacceptable behaviors. Physical domestic violence can also include confinement, harmful or dangerous use of restraint or force, and rough handling.

Emotional domestic violence can include screaming, yelling, and/or name calling. When a person uses verbal threats, criticizes, intimidation, isolation, or exploitation in order to dominate another person it is considered emotional domestic violence. It can also consist of threatening them or their loved ones, harming their pets, damaging their possessions, and even stalking them.

Sexual domestic violence may include sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation. Regardless if you are married or in a relationship, it does not justify you being subjected to any form of these types of treatments. Sexual domestic violence can be the forcing of another person to participate in degrading and unwanted sexual activity, or controlling the other reproductive choices or sexuality.

If you or anyone you know is being subjected to domestic violence contact a lawyer experienced in domestic violence cases.