ORLANDO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY

Domestic violence is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in our country. In fact, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that, on average, almost 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S.

Domestic violence can take many different forms and is an issue to be taken seriously. Although physical abuse is the most recognizable, often there are many other types of abuse happening within the relationship, as well. According to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

No person should be subjected to domestic violence from their partner. Orlando Domestic Violence Lawyer Joe Knape is here to make sure you are supported through every step of the process. Our law firm knows domestic violence is an incredibly serious matter for not just partnerships, but a family overall. If you’re involved in a domestic dispute, call 850-225-5563 and get a free consultation with an attorney who will work to get you the outcome you deserve.

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

You should feel safe and secure in your emotional relationships. Domestic violence destroys that sense of security, and it is not limited to your physical well-being. Learn the different types of abusive relationships and the importance of seeking help for your circumstances when you are safely able.

Though the term “domestic violence” typically brings to mind a battered and bruised woman, the true nature of the problem is not always that straightforward.

Abuse in an intimate relationship (like marriage, cohabitation, family, and even dating) can take many different forms:

• Physical aggression, assaults, or threatening language;
• Sexual abuse;
• Controlling behavior, intimidation, stalking, or covert neglect;
• Intentional financial deprivation;
• Spiritual abuse

According to the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, there are three key elements in defining a violent or abusive domestic relationship:

• Intimidation
• Victim humiliation
• Physical injury

There are many nuances to these types of abuse, and abuse is not limited to these examples. According to Psychology Today, abuse is about a dynamic of extremes, domination, and submission. It is about giving and withholding, also in the extreme. Although abuse most commonly manifests as a male abuser and female victim, both the abuser and the abused may be any gender.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical abuse is, perhaps, the easiest to recognize. The victim experiences pain, injury, and bodily harm. It is common to see irregular bruising, contusions, and/or frequent injuries.

Physical abuse may take other forms as well. The abuser may deny the victim heath care, deprive the victim of sleep, or even force a victim to use drugs. Abuse may also be done by proxy: an abuser may hurt someone close to the victim such as a child or pet.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE

Psychological abuse—also referred to as emotional abuse—pervades the victim’s mind, causing lasting damage. This method of abuse may include public and private humiliation, intentionally withholding important information from the victim (such as communications from family, friends, and work), and isolation from the outside world. The abuser’s goal is to make the victim completely dependent on him or her.

Emotional abuse typically includes abusive verbal behavior that undermines the victim’s self-worth, such as constant criticism, name-calling, blame, and false accusations, humiliation, and manipulation. Often, the abuser will behave one way in public and another in private. The goal of the abuser is complete control.

Verbal abuse comes in many forms that include:

• Constant criticism
• Name-calling
• Threatening words
• Blame
• False accusations
• Humiliation
• Manipulation
• Disrespect

Verbal abusers can display a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde personality switch, jovial and fun one moment, and rage-induced monsters the next. The abuser will act one way in public, and another in private. In public, the abuser might develop cues that will be used to ‘contain’ their significant other, keeping them controlled and manipulated. The abuser might also try to convince the survivor that they are unloved, unwanted, or unnatural, to make them completely dependent.

People who are emotionally abused are likely to feel they are not in control of themselves or their lives. They may also feel they are unloved or unwanted. Survivors of psychological abuse or violence frequently suffer from depression, putting them at risk for suicide, eating disorders, or drug and alcohol abuse.

SEXUAL ABUSE

In the case of sexual abuse, one partner uses force or coercion to get the other partner to unwillingly participate in sexual activity. Even if the act is not completed, attempting to compel a partner to do something he or she does not want to do constitutes sexual abuse.

Despite its history as a condoned practice, marital rape is sexual abuse; one spouse cannot force himself or herself onto the other. The act of marital rape is now criminalized and repudiated.

ECONOMIC ABUSE

When one partner controls the other partner’s access to economic resources, a situation of economic abuse may arise. The abuser may prevent the victim’s access to resources or exploit the victim’s financial situation. For example, an abuser may limit the victim’s finances to keep the victim in debt, preventing him or her from improving financial health.

In other circumstances, the abuser may place the victim on a tightly-scrutinized allowance, monitoring how money is spent and questioning each expense. In any case, the goal of the abuser is the victim’s complete dependency

SEEKING HELP FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FLORIDA

To recognize an abusive relationship is one thing; to take action is another. It can be difficult to leave an abusive relationship. This is important to keep in mind if you or someone you know is in such a relationship. You will need assistance, but more importantly, you need sensitivity.

As a licensed domestic violence attorney, and I can help you with your case of domestic violence with sensitivity and compassion. I will help you petition for an order of protection or a restraining order and assist you with preparing the paperwork to file for divorce. I can also coordinate with law enforcement to ensure you stay safe from crimes such as assault, stalking, and any form of domestic violence while the legal work moves forward.