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October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Nottage and Ward on September 30, 2018

Victims of domestic violence understand that the physical and emotional trauma lasts long after the actual abuse has stopped. One of the greatest challenges is the lack of support from institutions such as law enforcement, society at large, and even friends and family members who don’t understand what it means to be a victim of assault.

October has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month to change this.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month began as a “Day of Unity” put on by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The original idea was to bring together people who work in the field and promote discussions on how to end all violence against women and children. Themes included mourning and remembering victims who died due to domestic violence, celebrating survivors, and working towards solutions.

Domestic violence is defined as “violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner.” It is not limited to physical abuse (or solely women and children). Examples include the following:

• Physical acts of violence against the victim
• Throwing objects at the victim
• Acts of intimidation involving guns, knives, or other weapons
• Threats to hurt, kill, or take away the victim’s children
• Threats against the victim’s friends, loved ones, or pets
• Taking the victim’s money
• Controlling what the victim wears
• Stalking the victim or monitoring the victim’s every move (includes electronically or via the Internet)
• Not allowing the victim to make decisions
• Rape
• Excessive pressure to have sex when the victim doesn’t want to
• Forced sex with others
• Forced drug or alcohol consumption
• Preventing the victim from working or attending school
• Harassing the victim at a place of employment or education
• Taking or destroying the victim’s belongings or property

Thanks to the increased awareness, our understanding of what constitutes abuse has expanded. If you are experiencing any types of abuse listed above, it is absolutely necessary that you seek help immediately to protect yourself.

Victims have many options when it comes to legally protecting themselves and their children from their abusers, including protection orders, revocation of custody and visitation, and filing for divorce. The experienced attorneys at Nottage and Ward, LLP, will make your family’s security our top priority. Contact one of our friendly representatives today to schedule a confidential consultation at (312) 332-2915.