Domestic Violence and Your Annapolis Divorce
If getting out of a violent marriage was easy, not many spouses would take the abuse as much as they do. In fact, leaving that kind of relationship may be the hardest thing you ever have to do.
Being married to someone who is capable of physically hurting you creates a fearful situation. Along with worrying about what your spouse will do to you if you try to leave, you may also have to worry about what will happen to your children.
Your spouse may have also led you to believe that you are not worthy of any other sort of relationship, which is common in abusive relationships. You may think that being abused is all you deserve because of it, but you are wrong.
No one deserves to be treated in that way. Thinking about getting out of that marriage may be difficult for you to imagine. It is possible, however, and an Annapolis divorce attorney can help.
Reasons to Leave
Outsiders may not understand why you have put up with the abuse for so long. You may stay because leaving would be too much of a hassle. You might also stay because you arent aware of some of the effects being in this type of relationship can have on you. Some of the long-term effects of spousal abuse include:
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Hypertension
Arthritis
Suicidal thoughts
Heart disease
Depression
Additionally, staying around in this type of relationship increases the chances of your children either becoming abusive towards their significant others, or becoming the victims of domestic violence. You know what it is like to be stuck in a situation like this, and staying increases the odds of your children knowing what its like, too.
Along with long-term effects, domestic violence can also cause immediate problems, such as:
Depression
Self-blame
Anxiety or panic attacks
Low self-esteem
Difficulty concentrating
Physical health issues
Trouble sleeping
Loss of appetite
Victims of domestic violence can also have difficulty forming healthy relationships in the future and may develop mental health issues, along with so many more problems. Getting out of the relationship as soon as possible may help you have a happy future.
The Cost of Domestic Violence
Black eyes, broken noses and fractured ribs are a few of the common injuries those who are exposed to domestic violence suffer through. Fixing these ailments isnt cheap. Along with having to pay a doctor for the exam, you may also need to pay for diagnostic testing and treatment. Over time, these bills can add up. In fact, a report conducted by the Centers for Disease Control estimated that health care costs associated with victims of domestic violence and abuse were roughly $948 per incident for female victims and $387 for male victims.
Domestic violence also causes scars on the inside of its victims. Many people who were abused seek mental health help. The cost of visiting therapists and potentially being put on medication adds up quickly.
Children who live in households in which domestic violence occurs also pay a price. Watching their parent abuse another parent has countless mental and emotional effects on a child that will likely stay around for the rest of his or her life.
Breaking the Cycle
Some parents believe that staying married is best for the children. Sometimes it is because of financial reasons, as the victim believes the children will be at a disadvantage if they no longer live in a two-income household.
The victim may also believe that it is important for the children to grow up in a home where both of the parents live. However, staying around and allowing the children to see this relationship is unhealthy.
If your children see your spouse hitting you or treating you badly, they will think this is acceptable and normal, potentially causing them to become abusive or enter an abusive relationship. As a victim, you probably dont want this for them.
Instead, talk to them and let them know the abuse is wrong and is not their fault. Also, keep the doors of communication wide open so that they can address any fears or concerns they have with you.
The best way to break the cycle, however, is to leave the relationship. Although doing so may be difficult, it will be worth it.
The attorneys of Jimeno and Gray may be able to help you during this difficult time. Give us a call to set up a consultation with one of our experienced Annapolis divorce lawyers. Request your free copy of the book What Your Spouse Doesnt Want You to Know: The Ultimate Guide to Divorce in Maryland, written by attorney Frank C. Gray, Jr., when you call.’