According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 10 million Americans are abused by an intimate partner each year. In all, 20 Americans experience domestic abuse every single minute, across the United States. Domestic abuse is one of the most physically dangerous and emotional traumatizing crimes to be a victim of. In many cases, victims are afraid to leave, do not want to alert authorities, and may still have an emotional connection to their abuser. In other situations, children are involved, and that can lead to increased complications and concerns.

Still, domestic violence can escalate quickly, and removing you and your family from a violent situation is the most important step you can take in ensuring your safety. If you or a loved one are facing domestic violence at home, contact law enforcement officials immediately and reach out to a team of legal representatives you can trust.

Long Lasting Impacts of Domestic Violence

Cases of domestic violence can come with ramifications that can last a lifetime. Physical violence can lead to loss of work hours, costly medical bills, and chronic post-traumatic stress. According to the NCADV, as many as 60% of victims of intimate violence lose their jobs because of complications forming from the abuse. Domestic violence can also impact the lives of children in the household.

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.

In the vast majority of marriages, fighting starts and ends in verbal quarrels. Still, there are thousands of marriages throughout the United States in which one spouse faces domestic abuse from their partner. Here in the state of Illinois, there are more than 40,000 adult survivors of domestic abuse, and approximately 8,000 child witnesses. While escaping a toxic domestic situation can be difficult, remaining in one can be dangerous for you and your children. If you experience domestic abuse, contact law enforcement personnel as soon as possible.

Domestic Violence Throughout the United States

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), more than ten million Americans face domestic abuse each year. Domestic abuse disproportionately impacts women, as approximately 1 in 3 women in the U.S. experience abuse in an intimate relationship. When facing domestic violence in a marital relationship, it is critically important for the victim to remove themselves from the situation. Victims of prolonged domestic abuse are more likely to face issues of post-traumatic stress, depression, and even thoughts of self-harm.

The Impact on Children

Studies conducted by the NCADV found that 1 in 15 American children witness domestic abuse in intimate relationships. The vast majority of these situations occur in parental relationships in which one spouse is abusing the other. Witnessing this type of dangerous domestic violence can have a profound impact on a child’s development, leading to post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. While some spouses believe that remaining together can be positive for the children involved, this is certainly not the case in abusive relationships.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), roughly 20 people are abused by an intimate spouse every minute throughout the United States. Tragically, an average of 10 million Americans face domestic abuse every year. Due to pressures the victims face from their spouse, only 34 percent of domestic abuse victims receive medical treatment for their injuries.

For victims of domestic abuse, divorce can represent the only permanent way to find refuge from their abuser. Unfortunately, even in cases of domestic abuse, divorce is never as simple as most Americans assume. For a litany of reasons, finding a dedicated divorce attorney is critical in ensuring you and your family can safely remove yourselves from a dangerous and unhealthy situation, and receive the guidance you deserve.

How an Attorney Can Help

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue in America. In fact, it seems there is a news story almost daily on the death or injury of a domestic violence victim. Often, the reported violence is connected to a victim trying to leave, either through separation or divorce. It is, by far, the most dangerous time for them. Learn how to protect yourself and your children during a divorce with help from the following information, and the aid of an experienced attorney.

Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time for Abuse Victims

Abusers who are losing control of their victim can become unpredictable and exceedingly violent. Some may even resort to showing up at the victim's place of employment or home. Thankfully, there are ways to mitigate against this type of behavior. Victims can seek help with an order of protection, which bars the abuser from coming within a certain distance from the victim. Divorcing victims can also let their attorney handle all communications between themselves and their spouse, which can limit any opportunity for an argument. Above all, remember to contact the authorities if you fear you are in immediate danger.