Are You in An Abusive Relationship? – Jersey City, NJ

When someone thinks about domestic abuse, they tend to focus on the worst imaginable things they see on an episode of “Law and Order.” That is not always the case. Domestic abuse can occur when someone in an intimate relationship tries to control or dominate the aspects of their partner’s life.

The abuser wants to gain total control over their significant other by any means necessary. They may use multiple tactics such as fear, guilt, and intimidation; but they can also use verbal threats and inflict physical pain. Domestic abuse has no bounds. Abuse can happen to anyone in any situation, regardless of age, ethnicity, income, and sexual preference.

Recognizing the domestic abuse is the first step to getting help. Oftentimes, this kind of abuse is physical, but the emotional and psychological effects can be just as devastating. Most people also don’t know that sexual abuse can be common in an abusive relationship. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, between one-third and one-half of all battered women are raped by their partners at least once during their relationship.

The most telling sign of domestic abuse is fearing your partner. If you are constantly watching what you say and do around them in order to avoid an unfavorable incident, chances are your relationship is abusive. The bottom line is that this type of behavior is unacceptable, whether it’s coming from a man or a woman. You deserve to feel appreciated and safe.

But how do you know if your relationship is one of domestic abuse? Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself:

• Does your partner constantly ridicule or insult you?
• Does your partner keep you financially dependent on him/her?
• Get angry when you disagree?
• Threaten to hurt you or your children?
• Manipulate you with lies and promises that never come true?
• Become extremely jealous?
• Undermine your self-esteem?

If the answer to any of these is yes, then you might be suffering from an abusive relationship. This is your time to speak up!

Remember, there is help for domestic abuse victims. You can get a restraining order and find help from outside organizations like an emotional support group. If you are in need of a restraining order or other legal assistance, please contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone. We have been handling domestic violence cases for nearly three decades and we know how to help you in this trying time.