Domestic abuse is a severe problem in the United States. Every year, millions of women and men are victims of domestic violence. This violence can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and mental abuse. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, it’s essential to understand that you are not alone. Here’s everything you need to know about domestic abuse in the United States.
Types of Domestic Abuse
- Physical abuse is any force used against you that causes injury or danger. This can include hitting, slapping, kicking, strangling, and using weapons.
- Sexual abuse is any sexual contact that happens without your consent. This can include forced sex or unwanted sexual touching.
- Emotional abuse is when someone tries to control you through fear, intimidation, or manipulation. This can include name-calling, making threats, or putting you down.
- Mental abuse is when someone tries to control your thoughts or emotions. This can include gaslighting (making you doubt your memories or perceptions), isolation (cutting you off from friends and family), or controlling what you do (telling you what to wear or who to talk to).
Warning Signs of Domestic Abuse
If you are worried that you may be in an abusive relationship, there are some warning signs to look out for. These warning signs can be divided into three categories: physical symptoms, behavioral signs, and emotional signs.
- Physical signs of domestic abuse may include bruises, cuts, broken bones, scratches, welts, redness, swelling, and pain. These injuries may be seen on different body parts at other times.
- Behavioral signs of domestic abuse include controlling behavior, possessiveness, jealousy, and attempts to isolate you from friends and family.
- Emotional signs of domestic abuse may include fearfulness, low self-esteem, hopelessness, and helplessness. If you are experiencing any warning signs, you must seek help as soon as possible.
As you can see, domestic abuse is a severe problem in the country. However, despite the prevalence of this issue, many women are unaware of the laws that are in place to protect them from their abusers. Thankfully, there are laws in place that can help women to fight against abuse.
The Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed by Congress in 1994 and has been reauthorized several times since then. VAWA provides funding for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute domestic violence cases and also funds training programs for judges and court personnel to better understand and respond to these cases. VAWA also created the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides crisis counseling and refers victims to local shelters and support services.
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act
The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) is the primary federal law governing domestic violence shelters and programs in the United States. In addition, FVPSA provides funding to state domestic violence coalitions, which in turn provide funding to local shelters and programs. FVPSA also funds national public awareness campaigns about domestic violence and training programs for law enforcement officers, social workers, and other professionals who work with victims of abuse.
State Laws
In addition to federal laws, several state laws protect women from domestic abuse. These laws vary from state to state, but they generally provide additional protections for victims of domestic violence, such as making it easier to obtain protection orders and increasing the penalties for offenders.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it might be time to leave your partner. You can do so legally by hiring an experienced family attorney. They can review your case and even help you file for a restraining order against your abuser. Whether you leave or stay, getting the help and support needed to recover from this terrible ordeal is essential. Consider getting help from these various organizations as well:
Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon is one of the largest victim services organizations in the United States. They provide 24/7 crisis counseling and support for victims of crime and abuse, including domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking. They also offer a variety of resources for victims, including safety planning, emotional support, referrals to local shelters, and legal assistance.
Day One
Day One is a New York City-based nonprofit that provides support and services to young people ages 24 years old and younger who have experienced dating abuse or sexual assault. They offer crisis counseling, safe housing options, legal advocacy, and more services to survivors of domestic violence regardless of immigration status. They’re a better choice if you live in New York and are an immigrant.
Domestic abuse is a considerable concern in the United States. But with laws and organizations in place, you can get the help and support needed to recover from this terrible ordeal.
