6 Things You Don’t Want To Do in a Domestic Violence Situation

If you are struggling with a volatile atmosphere at home, you’re probably doing everything you can not to stir up trouble – yet raw emotions are present almost every day. You’re not alone in this situation. Millions of people are victims of domestic violence each year. Don’t continue to be one of them.

Things You Don’t Want To Do in a Domestic Violence Situation

  1. Ignore It

  2. Escalation is a major factor in domestic violence. What starts out as verbal assault often increases in physicality, and although you may think by avoiding certain subjects or doing what is asked, you can keep it from escalating, you can’t. It won’t go away on its own.

  3. Assume It’s Only You

  4. While you may be the only person in the household physically affected, all members of the family are affected. Boys who watch violence occur in the home are more likely to repeat it on others. Girls who watch violence in the home or more likely to be victimized in future relationships. It’s a cycle, and physical effects are not the only ones that are damaging your family.

  5. Make Excuses for It

  6. He lost his job. She’s really stressed. Things will blow over after we get through this rough patch. We tell ourselves countless tales when it comes to our relationships. Domestic violence rarely ends outside of therapy, court orders, or something a lot more violent. It escalates, not dissipates.

    There is never an excuse to injure a family member. Look at the incidents. Is there a pattern?

  7. Assume Words Don’t Hurt

  8. “But I wasn’t hit” doesn’t mean you’re not in a volatile domestic violence situation. The law is broad when it comes to defining it. It also includes emotional abuse, sexual abuse, being held prisoner in your home, and controlling behaviors like not being given access to financial accounts so as to keep you dependent. You do not need a black eye to prove domestic violence or file for protective injunctions.

  9. Think No One Can Help

  10. Don’t let fear or alienation keep you from seeking help. You’re not alone. There are free resources out there. You can learn more about them without obligating yourself.

    When you’re ready, get assistance, file charges, and seek a protective order, with an experienced family law attorney. People can help you. There are resources available but please don’t wait until it’s too late.

  11. Combat it With Violence of Your Own

  12. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, standing up for yourself is crucial to restoring (eventual) normalcy in your home. However, using violence in a violent situation only causes it to escalate and the severity of such can be fatal.

    Get out. Get help.

    File the paperwork needed and get the support necessary to continue on with your life. You may be able to work things out with your partner after you get the help you both need. But for now, end the cycle of violence by turning to someone you can trust for assistance.

If you are experiencing a home life fraught with domestic violence and volatility, get help from someone who has experience assisting people in similar situations. Dean Tsourakis is an experienced domestic violence attorney and he can help you figure out next steps. Call today at 727-785-2700 for a free consultation.