Types Of Domestic Violence That Do Not Come With Bruises
Domestic violence is not an easy thing to talk about. That doesn’t make it any less real. Speaking up about abuse is incredibly tough and sadly, it can take years of suffering and strength to find the door. And abuse is not always obvious. Acts of domestic violence go far beyond physical violence. It can be emotional, financial and sexual sometimes starting subtly and slowly becoming destructive. At Waterstone Legal, we understand how difficult and complicated domestic violence can be and some of the most severe cases do not come with bruises. Here are some of the types of abuse that do not come with bruises and how you can get help, when you are ready.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can take many forms and nuances that are felt intensely and can slowly break you down. Although this type of abuse does not come with physical signs of violence it makes it no less damaging. From subtle put downs, clever manipulation to aggressive bullying these toxic behaviours can diminish your self-worth and esteem. Over time emotional abuse steals your confidence and makes you doubt yourself and whether you can leave. Emotional abuse can be as simple as ignoring your needs for self-care, making you feel stupid for having a point of view on something or accusing you of things you have not done. There is a constant influx of comments and negativity that makes you feel not good enough and forget how much you deserve to be loved and happy.
Control
Relationships can become a trap without you realising it’s happening. It can be hard to identify controlling behaviours in the beginning and takes many forms such as;
- Isolating you from family and friends
- Monitoring how you spend your time
- Controlling what you wear
- Questioning you
- Holding you back from work
- Making threats
- Telling you what and when you can eat
- Constantly criticising you
Many of these behaviours can be disguised as normal by the perpetrator, making you feel they are not worth making a fuss about. This can all be part of the control to prevent you speaking about them. It can be incredibly challenging and scary to break through the fear though the bravest thing you can do is find someone to talk to. As one of the best family law firms in London, Waterstone Legal provides a safe, free and confidential consultation to talk.
Financial Control
Financial control is a type of abuse that can leave many people trapped in toxic relationships. This type of abuse can include exerting control over income, spending, bills, borrowing and access to transport. Ultimately financial control can impact your freedom to live and leave you in fear of what will happen if you leave. It can often take place along with other types of abuse intended to make you feel completely cut off and isolated. Remember financial abuse is not normal or acceptable however much your partner may try and convince you otherwise. You are never alone and talking to someone outside your relationship you trust can be the first step forward.
Sexual Abuse
Feeling pressured to be intimate with your partner is never ok. Sexual abuse can take place behind closed doors and the shame that comes with it can often prevent anyone who is experiencing it to speak up. Sexual pressure can sometimes be disguised as love and normal, accompanied with comments like “you’re up for it” or calling you sexual names. Whether ignoring your feelings or being as physical as forcing you down whilst having sex, this abuse is a complete violation of your soul. However bad things have got, there is a way out and you can get help. It is never something you need to put up with or be ashamed about. If you need a safe space to discuss sexual abuse, you can contact Waterstone Legal and use the word daffodil for confidential support on moving forward.
The Wrap Up
Domestic abuse can take many forms beyond physical violence that can be easier to disguise and pass off as normal. If you feel your relationship has become threatening and is causing you fear and to feel like you are walking on eggshells, it is not ok. From emotional abuse, controlling finances to sexual violation none of this behaviour is normal and nor do you ever deserve it.
Relationship dynamics can be incredibly subjective and complicated and it can often take time and courage to be able to speak up about what is happening. Whenever you are ready, remember you are never alone and legal support is always a call away. You do not need to be strong all the time, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do — is find the door.
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Get In Touch. And say the word DAFFODIL.
