Helping a Loved One Get Out of an Abusive Relationship

 Posted on October 15, 2018 in Domestic Violence

Every single year, approximately 10 million Americans face some form of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can come in the form of physical violence, emotional abuse, and sexual misconduct, but regardless of the form, the abused party needs to remove themselves from the situation. When speaking with a loved one or a friend that is in an abusive relationship, it is important to know what to say, and how to say it. Domestic abuse continues to be a tragically prominent issue here in the United States, as 1 in 7 American women have been abused by a partner. If you or a loved one is in the midst of an abusive relationship, contact law enforcement officials as soon as possible, and meet with a legal professional that can help you move away from the dangerous situation.

What To Say To a Domestic Abuse Victim

As a friend or a family member of a domestic abuse victim, you have a responsibility to help your loved one remove themselves from the situation. Knowing what to say through these difficult conversations can make all the difference in ensuring that your loved one can safely escape the dangerous relationship.

They Are Not Alone: In many abusive relationships, the victim believes that they are alone in this situation; that notion could not be further from the truth. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 33% of all American women have faced abuse in an intimate relationship. Knowing that they are not alone can give abuse victims the confidence to reach out to a trained professional and receive the help and guidance they need.

Tell Them Where To Turn: Knowing who to talk to can be the most difficult step in speaking out about the domestic abuse one is facing. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that can serve as a support system for someone in an abusive relationship. From the Battered Women’s Justice Project to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, there are a number of organizations developed solely to raise awareness and help victims of abuse. Talking to a trained professional about abuse can be the first step in removing one’s self from an abusive relationship.

Contact Local Law Enforcement: After consulting with a support system, the most vital step in addressing a domestic abuse situation is receiving assistance from your local law enforcement. Just under 20% of all intimate violence involves a weapon, meaning a domestic abuse situation can rapidly escalate to a life-threatening situation. Contacting local law enforcement is the only way to ensure the safety of the victim and any other family members in a physically abusive relationship.

Contact a Will County Domestic Violence Lawyer

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., our legal team fully understands the dangerous ramifications of a relationship with domestic violence. Fortunately, we have years of experience helping victims file for divorce, establish restraining orders, and finally feel safe again. In cases of domestic abuse, your safety is our top priority. To set up a consultation with a DuPage County domestic abuse attorney, contact us today at 630-462-9500.

Sources:

https://www.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/domestic_violence2.pdf

https://ncadv.org/statistics