Domestic violence can be committed by anyone and it can affect anyone, but in the majority of cases, it is usually a male partner who abuses the female partner in a relationship. There are numerous reasons why domestic violence is a terrible act and the effects that it has on the women in the relationship are chief among them. Fortunately, domestic violence is no longer relegated to the shadows where it is not considered to be anyone else’s business. It is a nationally recognized problem and there are many resources and options available for women who are in abusive relationships.
There are hotlines that they can call and shelters that they can go to if they need to get away from their partner. However, if they need legal help, then experts like domestic violence lawyer Parikh recommend that victims of domestic violence seek the help of an attorney as soon as it is safe for them to do so. In the worst case scenarios, domestic violence can lead to serious injuries and even death, which is why it is important that victims of domestic violence get out of that situation as soon as they can.
The Physical Effects of Domestic Violence
The physical effects of domestic violence can be both external and internal, and they can have both short and long term consequences for the victim. The external effects can include cuts, bruises, burns, and broken bones. Some abusers will even use weapons such as firearms against their partners, which can result in gunshot wounds. In some cases abusers rape their victims, which not only causes physical and mental distress, but can also leave the victim with an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection,)
However, not all the effects of domestic violence are on the outside because some victims could suffer from internal bleeding, ruptured organs, collapsed lungs, and traumatic brain injuries. The kinds of physical effects suffered by victims of domestic violence depend on the level of violence instigated by the abuser. But at the very worst level, those effects could leave victims with permanent disabilities, or they could even be fatal.
The Mental Effects of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can be as detrimental to the mental health of the victims as it can be to their physical health. People who have suffered domestic abuse can develop deep depression as well as a feeling of perpetual anxiety since they are likely to be living in fear. Many victims of domestic violence will develop PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), which happens when a person experiences an intensely traumatic event. People with PTSD may experience violent mood swings, they might have difficulty sleeping, and they may experience sudden flashbacks to the traumatic event.
Domestic violence can also have a negative effect on the general well-being of a person. It can lower their self-esteem so that they do not feel good about themself, it might cause them to disassociate from other people, and it can cause them to distrust other people. Victims of domestic violence might try to deal with their mental trauma in unhealthy ways like drinking excessively or using drugs.
Where Victims of Domestic Violence Can Get Help
Victims of domestic violence can get help by first calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE. They will refer the victim to local shelters or crisis centres where the victim can stay and receive support and advice. They can also visit support groups for victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence victims should also talk to a lawyer who can help them get a restraining order against the abuser before helping them get the abuser out of their life for good.
If You Need More Help:
Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Male Victims of Domestic Abuse: They’re Real
