Though a couple may not be considering the thought of ending their marriage, they may be facing very real issues that also involve the law. Civil domestic violence is one such area. Oftentimes, the violence is long-term, affecting the feeling of safety each spouse has.
DoSomething.org, an organization that advocates for young people and social change, compiled 11 key facts about domestic violence that may surprise you:
There is a widespread misconception that domestic violence must be physical violence. In fact, abuse can be emotional, psychological, verbal, and sexual — and it often escalates quickly. An abuser may initially be charismatic and caring before slowly starting to wear away at your self-esteem by criticizing you, implying you simply aren't good enough, and isolating you from family and friends.
Then, it's harder to leave when verbal abuse begins or when it segues into physical abuse. Abusers may also push your sexual boundaries by coercing, pressuring, threatening, or intimidating you into unwanted sexual activity, or even by sexually assaulting you. And reproductive coercion — tampering with your birth control or pressuring you to get pregnant — is another common abuse tactic, with 1 in 3 women in abusive relationships also experiencing reproductive abuse.
All of these conditions still apply in a marriage, which is an unfortunate fact. Many victims fail to see or accept the abuse because they cannot comprehend that such treatment would come from their own spouse. If any of the above situations apply to you and you don’t know where to turn, reach out to a compassionate, experienced attorney who can help you objectively evaluate your situation and find a solution that’s in your best interest.
Attorney Sherry Naegele has been practicing law in the state of Ohio since 2000. Her practice encompasses all areas of family law, and her experience and compassion can help you through life’s most difficult situations. Contact her today to get started.