Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
The National Domestic Violence Hotline defines domestic violence as a "pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner."
Regardless of the definition, if you are in an abusive relationship or situation, you must seek out the resources you need to protect yourself and your children from abuse.
You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:
- Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
- Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
- Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
- Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
- Does not want you to work.
- Controls finances or refuses to share money.
- Punishes you by withholding affection.
- Expects you to ask permission.
- Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
- Humiliates you in any way.
You may be in a physically abusive relationshiop if your partner has ever:
- Damaged property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, kicked doors, etc.)
- Pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked or choked you.
- Abandoned you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
- Scared you by driving recklessly.
- Used a weapon to threaten or hurt you.
- Forced you to leave your home.
- Trapped you in your home or kept you from leaving.
- Prevented you from calling police or seeking medical attention.
- Hurt your children.
- Used physical force in sexual situations.
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions you may be in an abusive relationshiop. Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or in southern Indiana the Center for Women & Families at (812) 944-6743 (24 hours) your local domestic violence center to talk with someone about your situation.
Physical abuse includes putting your hands on a person against his/her will. It also includes shoving, pushing, grabbing, pulling or forcing someone to stay somewhere. Regardless of the relationship between two people, using physical violence or force against someone is a crime.
Emotional abuse is where one partner continously degrades or belittles the other ot accuses the other of being stupid, unattractive, a bad parent, unfaithful or any other similar fault - can indicate domestic violence or the potential for domestic violence.
Domestic violence impacts chidren even if they are never physically injured by it. Children who witness domestic violence often suffer behavioral and cognitive problems. Boys, especially, are more likely to be aggressive and engage in criminal behavior if they grow up in homes where domestic violence exists.
If you are a victim of domestic violence in southern Indiana, you should consult an experienced attorney. Contact the Family Law Attorneys at Waters, Tyler, Scott, Hofmann & Doane, LLC -- (812) 949-1114. Weekend and evening appointments available; major credit cards accepted.
