Myths About Domestic Violence

Abear Law Offices

Establishing a place to live with loved ones can be an exciting time in one’s life, especially if an individual has just married. However, finding oneself victim to domestic violence can result in a frightening and desperate situation.

Even though there are many organizations that have helped decrease the statistics of domestic violence, far too many cases are still in existence. Domestic violence is a serious issue that has often been taken too lightly.

Illinois Domestic Violence Law and Meaning of Abuse

Illinois law calls for police officers to take steps to protect any persons affected by domestic abuse when a family or household member commits any act of abuse or violence. Abuse can exist as pushing, hitting, rape, stalking, and making a child watch abuse, to name a few.

Individuals who commit an act of domestic abuse or violence can include spouses, significant others, parents, children, those who share the same residence, and anyone with whom you may have a child in common.

Undesired Myths of Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, there are several phrases that family members often use when addressing domestic violence. Some sayings and phrases include, but are not limited to the following:

  • “No one should interfere with the family”;
  • “A woman provokes her spouse to beat her”; and
  • “Anyone who stays with an abuser likes to be beaten”.

No one has any right, whatsoever, to beat another person. This act is automatically a crime.

There are also many reasons why incidents of domestic violence occurs—dinner was prepared too early and got cold, the TV was too loud or the wrong channel was turned on, or a person may have said something that was taken the wrong way. In any case, domestic violence is the wrong way to handle an annoyance, and sadly there are several reasons why an affected person stays in such a relationship, such as fear of further violence after leaving.

Contact Your DuPage County Family Law Attorney

Being the victim of domestic abuse or violence is devastating—especially when the abuser is a loved one. However, no situation is hopeless. There are always resources available to help abuse victims.

Attorney Anthony Abear has nearly 20 years of experience in the family law and divorce practice, and he is ready to assist you with your case. If you have been affected by domestic violence, or if you have any questions regarding such matters, please call the compassionate DuPage County domestic violence lawyer at 630-904-3033 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Source:

http://www.isp.state.il.us/crime/domesticviol.cfm