The Right Way to Respond to Domestic Violence

The impact of domestic violence is always going to be emotionally distressing as well as potentially physically threatening.

Domestic violence is characterized as a pattern of abusive and coercive behavior that one person uses to try and gain power and control over someone else. If you are on the receiving end of domestic violence it can be hard to think straight and do the right things in response to verbal or physical intimidation.

You need someone on your side who can help you deal with the threats in the right way. Someone like Pearsons Family Law, for instance, has the legal knowledge and experience to help guide you through your options and formulate a way of responding to domestic violence.

Here is a look at how you can respond to domestic violence.

Spotting the red flags

It can often be the case that the threat of domestic violence grows over a period of time. There are often red flags that signal the onset of domestic violence. Things can escalate badly from small but troubling incidences that provide a warning of what might be to come.

A normal loving relationship will have its ups and downs. Victims tend to find themselves isolated in a number of ways. You might find yourself in a state of denial or even try to cover up signs of abuse in an effort to try and deal with the situation yourself.

This is a problem that always needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It is unlikely that the perpetrator will cease their abusive behavior. In fact. It is often the case that the number and level of incidents increase as time goes by.

What should you do when faced with the threat of domestic violence?

Reach out for help

Anyone facing the threat of domestic violence should not expect to suffer in silence.

 

It is normal to feel frightened in such difficult and oppressive circumstances. These feelings may dissuade you to seek help from someone outside of the relationship.

If you are able to reach out to trusted family members or friends this can often be an important first step in putting a stop to the violence and abuse.

It is always a good idea to formulate a safety plan and work out what you will do in an emergency situation. You will also find that a network of professional and legal support exists to provide guidance and support when you need it most.

There are domestic abuse shelters that provide emergency accommodation when the situation becomes untenable. It is also a good idea to seek out legal help so that you understand your options and what can be done to improve your situation and remove the threat.

Keep things as normal as possible

It is extremely hard to function normally when the threat of domestic violence hangs over. However, trying to maintain your daily routine, such as going to work, can really help your emotional well-being and often gives you breathing space to seek out help without alerting your abuser.

Responding to domestic violence in the right way could make all the difference in achieving the best possible solution as quickly as possible. There is always help out there and anyone threatened with domestic violence can be reassured that you don’t have to suffer in silence.

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