Is your spouse being physically or sexually violent? Do little things set them off? Do you and your kids have to tip-toe around them or they suddenly explode?

Domestic violence is anytime a person uses fear, control and/or force to intimidate someone else. This type of violence doesn’t isn’t limited to one event but may get worse over time. The spouse making the threats may appear rational to friends, neighbors and colleagues but deny their behavior at home. The spouse making threats may blame their victim for their actions or hostile temper or said the kids caused them to overreact and become violent.

Domestic violence abusers sometimes play mind games and use power and control over their victims. They want you as the victim to feel helpless.

Examples include:

• Your abuser may use intimidation and make verbal threats against you and/or your child(ren).

• They may throw items nearby or at you and/or your child(ren) to cause fear or harm.

• They may physically, psychologically, sexually, economically and/or emotionally cause harm.

• They may use isolation to keep you from others and to control your movements and actions.

• They may minimize, deny and/or blame you even if you didn’t do anything.

• They may use male privilege and treat you like a servant or slave and they are the “master of the house”.

Note: Need a discreet way to call your lawyer? Worried about leaving? Think your abuser might be spying on you? Use the advice from these tips for victims of domestic abuse.

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