Though it is not an issue that often gains the spotlight, domestic violence continues to be a serious one in modern society—one that is so engrained in a woman’s daily existence that it seems commonplace. In fact, according to an article on Forbes, one in four women have experienced domestic violence. New research indicates that in incredible five million women—or more—are abused by their husbands or boyfriends every year. And while everyone has heard the statistic that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, one study showed that 50 percent of women who had been divorced had also been domestically abused.
Not every form of domestic abuse is extremely violent, however. Some cases of spousal abuse can start quiet, and then turn into something much worse than anticipated.
Domestic Violence: The Warning Signs
According to Psychology Today, there are warning signs that a person can look for in a marriage that may indicate worse behavior to come. Anxiety and dread can be powerful indicators of danger. Most of the time, severe anxiety is a “better safe than sorry” alarm system; but other times it can indicate that serious danger is likely. Moreover, Psychology Today notes how the feeling in a woman’s gut that tells her she’s in danger is more than normal anxiety. It is a visceral fear of harm. This cues a physiological response, such as a tightening of muscles, a sore stomach, or a headache. Hence, the body is reacting to visceral clues of harm set off by the brain’s alarm system.
Understanding Why Women Stay
Self-doubt is one reason that causes most women in abusive marriages or relationships to remain with their significant other. A person’s involuntary gut reaction to the person that she loves can feel like a betrayal. A person may also become very accustomed to walking on eggshells around his or her partner, and it can be easy to convince oneself that this type of behavior is normal, rather than dangerous. Regardless of how long the situation has been “your normal,” it is not.
Consult a Compassionate Illinois Family Law Attorney
If you have been the victim of domestic violence and are interested in learning about your options for divorce, the most important step is to seek legal counsel. Do not go through it alone. Contact an experienced DuPage County family law attorney today.
