Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994. The passage of this law made it clear that the United States was making the issue of domestic violence a national priority. Contrary to many myths surrounding domestic violence, this type of abuse can include physical, verbal, emotional or sexual violence towards a victim. No races, ethnicity, religion, economic or social status or culture is immune to domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence, seek help immediately.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that one person uses against another to establish authority and oftentimes violent domination over a victim’s life. This systemic abuse does not only appear as physical abuse. The following are also examples of domestic violence:

• Harassment (continued stalking, refusing to leave, checking up on where the victim is continuous as a form of control)
• Threats (to the victim, to pets, to children, to friends of the victim, to family members, shouting, threatening with any kind of weapon)
• Economic control (a refusal to pay bills, refusal to provide money, showing up at the victim’s place of employment, refusal to seek employment or work)
• Abuse of Trust (lying, withholding substantial information, cheating, controlling or jealous outbursts)
• Destruction of Property (throwing property, destroying property)
• Self-Destructive Behavior (drug abuse, alcohol abuse, threats of suicide, attempted suicide as a form of control, reckless driving with or without the victim in the car)
• Physical Abuse (kicking, grabbing, hair pulling, excessively squeezing or shaking, burning you, slapping, strangling, hitting, twisting your arms, or any other way to intentionally injure you.)

Domestic Violence in the United States

Statistics show that there are over three million domestic violence incidents reported each year in the United States. That amounts to someone being in a domestic violence situation every nine seconds. The statistics become even more harrowing when they show that 4,000 victims are killed each year due to domestic violence. Shockingly, one-fourth of all relationships include some form of domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or violence, you are not alone. Please seek help as soon as possible.

Your Safety Is the Priority

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or violence, you may be considering divorce. Before you do anything else, please contact law enforcement for help. Contact a domestic violence shelter to get you and your children away from danger. Consider visiting the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence website to learn what your options are regarding your safety.

Contact an Attorney Today

If you are going through any domestic violence situation it cannot be stressed enough that you should leave and find safety first. If you are considering filing for divorce, please contact the experienced legal team at the Law Office of Dana Pechersky at 954.529.2057 today for a free consultation regarding your case. We can help you understand your rights and help you through this difficult time.