Acts of domestic abuse are typically driven by feelings of insecurity and
fear. Abusers often use physical and psychological tactics to dominate
and manipulate their partners. This behavior stems from a pathological
need to control the thoughts, actions, and needs of another person. The
paradox is that the abuser is truly the weak one in the relationship,
but tries to hide this fact by directly assaulting the confidence and
autonomy of their partner. Understanding the signs, patterns, and dynamics
of an abusive relationship is often the first step in escaping the cycle of abuse.
Abusive relationships can take many forms:
- Social abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
Every relationship is unique, and, unfortunately, this also applies to
relationships that have been hollowed and strained by actions of violence
and abuse. There is only one commonality that defines every abusive relationship:
one partner is afraid of the other. Tragically, most domestic abuse victims
are too afraid to seek the legal help their situation deserves. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 18,000 women have
been killed in domestic violence incidents since 2003. Advocacy groups
and public health agencies have been working tirelessly to spread domestic
abuse awareness nationwide.
Common signs of domestic abuse include:
- Threats of violence
- Acts of physical battery (hitting, slapping, choking)
- Manipulating your actions
- Isolating you from friends and loved ones
- Hurting your children or pets as a means of controlling you
- Acting jealous and possessive of your time and attention
- Insulting and humiliating you
- Stalking you and reading your personal correspondences
- Forcing or coercing you to participate in sexual acts
- Controlling your finances or spending
Escaping an Abusive Relationship
Recognizing that you’re in an abusive relationship is the first step
in escaping it. The next steps can be a little more complicated; in fact,
it can even be life-threatening. If you can, seek legal aid and work with
a domestic violence attorney to obtain a restraining order.
As previously stated, abusers are notoriously insecure, and may use different
tactics to manipulate you into staying. To end this cycle, take note of
the following maneuvers that your partner may use to keep you from leaving:
- Crippling your self-esteem to make you feel that it’s impossible
to start over
- Instigate tension to keep you “walking on eggshells” and afraid
of their reactions
- Using extreme physical violence to make you fear leaving
- Trick you into thinking they can change
- Introduce a “honeymoon phase” to make you believe “things
will be different this time”
Break the Cycle by Taking Legal Action
At Arnold Law Group, APC, our
Fresno domestic violence lawyers have helped many clients secure legal protections against violent partners.
California offers three types of restraining orders: emergency protective
orders, temporary restraining orders, and permanent restraining orders.
Our firm can help you compile the necessary evidence, develop a safe escape
plan, and guide you through the entirely of this legal process. With our
assistance, you can obtain a protective order that safeguards your life.
Contact Arnold Law Group, APC
at (559) 900-1263 if you require legal guidance.