If you are the victim of domestic violence, or if you know someone who is being abused, you have probably wondered what you can do to get the abuse to stop. The most obvious thing an abuse victim can do is to leave the relationship, but that is not always a viable option. Many victims stay in abusive relationships due to financial or child custody issues. Some victims may stay in relationships because of Battered Woman Syndrome. Leaving is the best option, but barring that, there are several things you can do to stop a domestic violence abuser. In order to stop abuse, it is important to know what causes abuse and what might make a person stay in an unhealthy relationship.
What Causes Someone to be Abusive
Often times, abuse starts when one person in an intimate relationship feels the need to control their significant other. Jealousy is often a reason that a person may abuse their partner. They may be jealous of other people who are interested in their partner or they may be jealous of their partner’s career success, educational background or socioeconomic background. They may have been abused or come from a background with traditional beliefs about men being the leader of the household.
What is Battered Woman Syndrome?
Battered Woman Syndrome is classified as a subcategory of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Women with BWS often do not let anyone in their life know they are being abused. They often take the abuse because they feel that they deserve it, or they think there is nothing they can do about it. There are four stages that women with this disorder go through. First, they deny that they are being abused. The second stage is guilt. The abuse victim begins to believe they have caused the abuse. The third stage is to realize that she is a victim of abuse and the fourth stage is to realize that she must escape the relationship.
How to Stop an Abuser
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop an abuser unless he or she wants help. They can take anger management classes or go to therapy. If you are being abused, it is always a good idea to call the police. You should let the people that you trust know what is going on in your relationship. You should take pictures of any injuries that you have as a result of the abuse. If you are treated for the injuries by a doctor, you should obtain your medical records for evidence. You can also record your partner on your cell phone or even take a video of them when they are being abusive.
If you are afraid to leave an abusive situation you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline and they can refer you to a shelter for abused women where you will be safe from your abuser.
What to do if You are Falsely Accused of Domestic Violence
Sometimes, when an abuse victim simply fights back against a partner who is abusing them, they end up being the one accused of domestic violence. Sometimes, a vengeful ex-partner will make up a story about domestic violence. If this is your situation, you need the help of a
Domestic violence attorney. People who commit domestic violence should be arrested and should serve the time to which they are sentenced and get the help they need. However, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. A good attorney will make sure your voice is heard.
