Domestic Abuse and Divorce

Posted by DivorceNetwork, February 2010

 

Divorce is a difficult period in one’s life.  The matter complicates itself   when domestic abuse is part of the reason why the couple is getting divorced.  Nevertheless, spousal abuse can have an immense psychological impact on the person being abused and any children that maybe in the home.  Domestic abuse is actually a behavior one portrays to gain control over his or her partner. Types of domestic abuse include: physical, emotional, economical, sexual and psychological abuse.  Some people are torn as to when to end the marriage especially if spousal abuse is a factor in the divorce because he or she is fearful of the consequences of leaving.  If domestic abuse has become part of your life, it is time to end the relationship immediately.  

When to Divorce

Normally, as a person on the verge of divorce, he or she is already dealing with many mixed feelings of anger, depression, guilt, regret, sadness and confusion.  Add spousal abuse to the mix and the emotional instability can increase along with fear, anxiety and intimidation.  Nonetheless, leaving the relationship as soon as domestic abuse begins will be easier then trying to escape after years of abuse.  For those in extreme fear of leaving, the best thing to do is to contact a women’s abuse help agency like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and the police to ensure the safety of you and your children.

Domestic Abuse and Children

Many parents do not want to file for divorce because they are afraid of how their children will react to the separation and they believe that they can handle the domestic abuse on their own, without anyone else knowing or  being affected by the abuse.  However, this is untrue.  If there is abuse taking place in the home, a child will more than likely be affected immediately. Worse yet, the abuser may over time come to abuse the child or the child may start to demonstrate such abusive characteristics in his or her own intimate relationships.  That is why it is not only important for yourself, but also for your children to leave the situation, get abuse help and start a healthy new life as a single parent family.

Improvement of Life

No one should be subjected to domestic abuse. That is why deciding to leave is one best decision you could make to help improve the quality of life and future for you and your children.