Men Wishing to Divorce a Partner Who is Guilty of Domestic Violence
While some may have a hard time believing that men can be the victims of domestic violence, the family law attorneys at the Courtney & Mills know that what happens behind closed doors in someone’s home can sometimes be startling. It’s not difficult to believe domestic violence (DV) occurs against men, especially considering some of the typical signs that suggest a man may be experiencing this type of psychological, emotional, or physical abuse. If you find yourself in this situation you need help. Without question, any DV situation is about control and coercion—and your situation may be more serious than you imagined.
Symptoms Indicating Possible Abuse
The classic symptoms of abuse include changes in behavior or bearing, whether those changes manifest themselves in social settings, at work, or in changing patterns of behavior. In some instances, a man’s style of dress and physical appearance may change, too.
Psychological Abuse
If you are afraid of your partner, it may be because you are experiencing psychological abuse. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, withdrawn, or even suicidal, it may be a result of the treatment you endure from your significant other. In some cases, individuals turn to drugs or alcohol for relief. All of this could be the reaction to psychological abuse, including:
- Humiliation, criticism, and belittlement in front of others;
- Requirements to report into your partner about your conversations, plans, and whereabouts;
- Your partner turning your kids against you;
- Being falsely accused of abuse;
- Accusations that you are crazy or off-balance;
- Isolation from family and friends;
- Having to give in to whatever your partner wants;
- Dealing with intense possessiveness and jealousy;
- Being threatened when you say you want to leave the relationship.
Physical Abuse
Perhaps physical abuse has escalated because you are physically unable or unwilling to protect yourself from your partner’s heated outbursts. Do you find yourself:
- Wearing clothes to cover scratches and bruises.
- Blaming your cuts and bruises on your own awkwardness and so-called accidents:
- Skipping social gatherings or work due to mental or physical wounds, sometimes without giving an explanation.
If this is familiar, it is time to consider a change.
Why Signs are Often Overlooked
When women go in for an annual exam with their doctor, they are often questioned about bruises or cuts. Conversely, men’s wounds often go unchecked, partly because even doctors view DV as a gendered event, resulting in men being denied the concern and compassion they need when they show signs of being victimized. Families, best friends, and colleagues miss the signs of DV in men, as well. Missed opportunities to identify and mitigate situations where men are being harmed can leave them feeling even more humiliated and isolated than ever. And because we know that DV tends to escalate over time, they find themselves at greater risk of serious—even fatal outcomes.
Do You Need to Escape a Violent Marriage?
Anyone who is experiencing intimate partner violence deserves help—regardless of gender. If you are in danger, call the police. If you need a restraining order and/or a divorce, call us at Courtney & Mills where our dedicated, compassionate Springfield family attorneys are here to help. Together, let’s end the suffering. Schedule a confidential consultation in our Springfield office today.
Source:
mankind.org.uk/help-for-victims/is-a-man-you-know-a-victim-spotting-the-signs/
