Disagreements are a part of life. Not everyone is going to see eye-to-eye. However, when a person lives in fear or is otherwise feeling unsafe, domestic violence may be the reason why. Domestic violence is any physical, mental or emotional behavior that negatively affects family members or those living in the home to the point where they feel fearful, angry or scared.

Domestic violence can have long-reaching consequences for victims who are on the receiving end of domestic violence-related behavior. The U.S. Surgeon General recently released a statement that domestic violence is the number one issue facing our great nation today. One definition of domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner. Many forms of abuse are included in the definition of domestic violence including emotional, physical, sexual, economic or psychological.

Essentially, there are may ways that an abuser can inflict pain or fear in their partners or children. Sometimes abusers are well aware of their actions and impact and other times they do not realize the impact of their actions. Just about anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, but no one needs to be a victim forever. If you are looking to divorce your spouse and believe that you and/or your children are domestic abuse victims, you should take special care in such a volatile situation and make a safe and secure living arrangement to protect yourself and your loved ones.

No one should have to suffer under the weight of abuse. Divorce or a custody arrangement are just a few ways to put some separation between yourself and your abuser. Domestically violent spouses and parents may face repercussions under the custody arrangement. All custody arrangements consider the best interests of the child first, and abusive situations are not high on the list.

Source: Family.FindLaw.com, “What is Domestic Violence,” accessed on Oct. 17, 2017