Domestic abuse

Abusive relationships are incredibly harmful to the victims, and often to those closest to them like their children, but they can remain hidden behind closed doors.

The social stigma attached to being abused and the fear of it leading to even worse treatment by the abuser inhibits some sufferers from coming forward to discuss something happening within their own home. Though talking about enduring aggression is often acutely overwhelming, bringing to the fore painful recollections which could have been subconsciously suppressed, such an exchange represents a vital first step in rescuing a victim from their suffocating predicament.

Domestic abuse is not always physical, but is always a pattern of controlling behaviour from which some can feel powerless to escape. This coercive control is an act – or a pattern of acts – such as assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation, that is used to harm, punish or frighten the victim. Emotional abuse is not necessarily violent, but leaves a scar nonetheless; those targeted by their partner can feel ashamed, isolated and disorientated after being trapped by their partner’s actions for so long.

The reassurance of an understanding listener who offers real empathy is invaluable in helping the victim ultimately move away from their aggressor. If someone who has been through domestic abuse can open up to you to talk about their experiences, listening without passing judgment or interrupting is the most helpful thing any friend or relative can do. You have to show sincere compassion, and even if the stories you are listening to might trigger your own anger or sense of betrayal, it is important to show you are absorbing every word.

By talking, a victim of domestic abuse can break through the bars which have kept them restrained for so long. By sharing, they know that their pain is real, and that they are right to have stopped tolerating it.

We are here to guide you and offer advice, whatever your situation. For further support and to speak to one of our experts, please fill in our online enquiry form or contact conversations@hunterslaw.com.