Domestic violence is a silent yet ubiquitous problem. It is estimated that, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States which translates into 10 million people a year. Domestic violence hotlines across the country receive more than 20,000 phone calls reporting instances of abuse every day. And even though these numbers are already distressing, what’s even more disturbing is the fact that most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.
One of the reasons why this grievous societal problem is so severely underreported lies with its definition. For many, domestic violence refers exclusively to instances of physical violence and harassment. However, a victim doesn’t have to sustain a physical injury to experience severe harm. In this article, we will analyze 3 ways in which domestic violence can be more than physical. We will also show why these kinds of violent acts are so harmful, why they should be treated with the same seriousness and judged with corresponding severity.
1. Emotional, Mental, or Psychological Abuse
While emotional, mental, or psychological abuse can take many forms, its objectives are always the same – to deprive the victim of its self-worth, strip away their independence, and assert the abuser’s power over them. Such abuse can be either verbal – including using derogatory, demeaning language – as well as non-verbal. Often, the abuser will try to intimate the victim, issuing threats, or mock and embarrass them to make them feel worthless.
This kind of abuse leaves deep emotional scars on the victim’s psyche. Those who are subjected to emotional, mental, or psychological abuse may suffer from anxiety, depression, and be at a higher risk of suicide.
2. Financial Abuse
The purpose of financial abuse is to make the victim financially dependent on the abuser. The abuser may try to achieve and exert this kind of control over the victim by restricting them access to funds as well as limiting their professional options and job opportunities. Financial abuse may also involve accessing the victim’s independent funds and bank accounts without their permission or other illegal financial acts. In some cases, the abuser may also use the victim’s personal data to take loans, pushing them into a debt spiral and financial hardships.
All the acts that constitute financial abuse are malicious and cruel. They can severely endanger the victim’s financial security and rob them of the independence they deserve. A person who has experienced financial abuse for a considerable period may even fall into poverty. For that reason, this kind of abuse should never be played down or underestimated.
3. Stalking
Stalking is generally defined as an action that causes a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or causes emotional distress. This broad term encompasses a wide range of behaviors including following the victim, spying on them, taking pictures without their permission, showing up uninvited at their house, sending them unwanted messages, giving them unwanted gifts, and other similar actions.
Obtain Legal Help and Protection
At The Grey Legal Group, we treated all instances of domestic violence seriously – whether it’s physical violence or not. If you have been subjected to domestic violence of any kind, do not hesitate to contact us. We provide a safe space for abuse victims and comprehensive legal assistance that will help you obtain the protection you need to break the cycle of abuse.
The Grey Legal Group
