Even though many movies and television shows portray domestic violence as being physical, this isn’t always the case in the real world. It is possible for you to be the victim of domestic violence without your partner or spouse ever putting a hand on you.
One of the most important points regarding domestic violence is that there is a fear or form of intimidation present when your partner wants you to do something or avoid doing something. For example, you might be worried about your spouse locking you out of the house if you go out with your friends for dinner.
Some forms of domestic violence aren’t easy to spot. Your partner might not allow you to see family and friends. He or she might stop you from being able to buy the things that you need. You might be isolated without any options for getting in touch with people. You might not be free to use the phone or get on the computer without your abuser monitoring what you do.
It is also possible that you are a victim of domestic violence if you aren’t able to get the basic life necessities that you require. This means that you might not have the food that you need to survive or your partner might keep you from getting medications you need.
Protective orders are one of the possibilities that you have if you are leaving an abusive spouse. This, along with a safe place to stay and a plan for living, can give you the ability to leave and start a new life that isn’t filled with domestic violence and neglect.
Source: FindLaw, “What is Domestic Violence?,” accessed Jan. 06, 2017