Sadly, domestic violence and abuse happen a lot more often than you’d think. In the United States, over 20 people are physically abused by their intimate partner every minute. That’s excluding emotional and sexual abuse. About 10 million people are victims of domestic violence, not counting the many incidents that go unreported. It is difficult to break from the oppression and see the signs of domestic abuse, so we have compiled a list of signs so you can take adequate action.

Signs of Physical Abuse

The following are some signs if you or a loved one has been a victim of physical domestic violence:

• Sustained bruising, scars, broken bones, etc.;
• Have been hit, kicked, punched, choked, or slapped;
• Threatened with a weapon;
• Sustained injuries from a weapon;
• Forced to use drugs or intake alcohol;
• Abandoned in an unfamiliar place;
• or Subjected to reckless driving.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Below are some signs that you or a loved one has sustained emotional abuse:

• Have been demeaned or belittled;
• been called names;
• humiliated in public;
• obsessively accused of being unfaithful;
• been cheated on;
• isolated from family or friends;
• stalked by your partner;
• told what to eat, where to be, and where to sleep;
• or obligated to dress a certain way.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

You or a loved one may be suffering from sexual abuse if the following signs apply:

• You’re forced to dress in a specific sexual manner;
• Forced to have sex even if you/they don’t want to;
• Forced to perform sexual acts;
• Physical abuse during sex;
• Forced to make pornography;
• Intentionally given an STD;
• Forced to have sex after physical abuse;
• Forced to have sex with others.

Knowing if You’re a Victim

You or a loved one may have experienced one or more of the above signs in your own relationship. But, some of these actions, without context, are enough to be domestic violence. So here are a few questions, if you can answer yes, honestly, then you may be a victim of abuse:

• Has your partner insulted or humiliated you in public?
• Does your partner force you to describe your every move when you’re not with them?
• Is your partner angry all the time?
• Does your partner scare you?
• Does your partner force you to do drugs?
• Are you not able to interact with certain people, including your family, because of your partner?
• Does your partner force you to have sex with them?
• Has your partner threatened to kill you?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, do not hesitate to reach out to The National Domestic Violence Hotline for help at 800-799-7233. Our expert attorneys can also assist you in any legal claims including divorce or legal separations. Call today and receive a consultation.

When we think of emotional abuse, we often see images in our head of people yelling at each other, calling harsh names, and being unduly rude or short-tempered. Although it is not necessarily illegal to frequently call someone a hurtful word, emotional abuse can be used as evidence to show other crimes. Below are a couple of examples.

When emotional abuse can lead to criminal charges.

Child endangerment or elder abuse:  The law puts extra protections on society members that will typically have more challenging times defending themselves. In the case of children, the law typically makes it illegal to conduct behavior that unjustifiably causes mental suffering to a minor. The same principle can be more or less applied to the elderly and can be considered elder abuse.

Harassment or stalking: Perhaps one person is sending many unwanted texts, phone calls, or emails. These items can be used as evidence to create a restraining order. It only helps build a stronger case if these messages are damaging due to abrasive and demeaning language.

Criminal threat: We all tend to say things we do not mean from time to time. Most of us would not look good when our words are taken out of the context when they were spoken. Regardless, words spoken, written, or recorded can be used to show that the receiving person had a reasonable fear for their safety. This is another example when alleged emotional abuse can lead to other criminal charges.

What can you do if you have been accused of emotional abuse?

Hopefully, the above content helped shed a little light on the issue. Every case is unique and so at the circumstances of your relationships and charges. As we like to say at our firm, “just because you did, it doesn’t mean you’re guilty.” That is because we realize there are always two sides to every story. Our attorneys are here to help have your voice be heard in the eyes of the law. If you live in West Jordan or Salt Lake City, we are happy to have a case review regarding any criminal charges you are facing. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]