The #MeToo Movement and its Impact on People Affected by Domestic Violence

Abear Law Offices

In mid-October, social media exploded with one simple hashtag: #MeToo. After the allegations against Harvey Weinstein were widely reported, thousands of people, mostly women,  expressed themselves by using #MeToo—either by simply posting the hashtag itself or by posting the hashtag along with their personal experience of sexual assault or harassment.

Over the past week, there has been much support for these people who were brave enough to come forward and explain what assault and violence are in their own words.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence are Not Always Mutually Exclusive

Sexual assault and violence can be a huge part of domestic violence, which, unfortunately, happens too often. Domestic violence occurs when one partner attempts to gain control over the other person, which can include, but is certainly not limited to the following:

  • Physical abuse;
  • Threat of extreme physical harm;
  • Rape or other forms of sexual assault; and
  • Deprivation of physical needs.

The person affected by domestic violence may feel extreme confusion, as he or she may not initially realize that his or her loved one is hurting them, whether physically, emotionally, or sexually. The individual may also feel guilty if he or she tells a trusted person that he or she is being abused, or may even be worried that his or her abuser will find out that he or she has reported the crime.

Unfortunately, the person affected by sexual assault and domestic violence will often lose hope that things can change, and that there is, in fact, a light at the end of the tunnel. This can also occur if the abuser is talking down to the person receiving the abuse, such as telling him or her that he or she is not worthy of love without them, or that he or she is absolutely worthless.

There is Always Help Available

Domestic violence is never the fault of the person affected by the abuse. The person initiating the abuse will do anything and everything to create and keep control over the person who is abused. The abuser rarely admits the cause of the abuse, but will normally resort to the person abused as the cause. This could mean that the abused person “made the abuser mad” or “made the abuser jealous.”

Whatever the so-called excuse is for such behavior, it is never valid and the abuser is completely responsible for the abuse.

Contact a Wheaton Domestic Violence Protection Attorney

Going through abuse is one of the worst experiences a person can go through in his or her life. If you or a loved one has experienced any type of abuse, then you do not need to fight the legal battle alone.

At Abear Law Offices, we know the law inside and out, and we will give you the most compassionate and effective client experience possible. To schedule your free initial consultation, please call a DuPage County domestic violence protection lawyer at 630-904-3033 to get the assistance you deserve.

Sources:

http://www.janedoe.org/find_help/for_victims_and_survivors_of_domestic_violence

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/stevens/ct-life-stevens-monday-me-too-mayim-bialik-1016-story.html