What is Considered Domestic Abuse?

 Posted on December 05, 2013 in Domestic Violence

When a relationship starts becoming abusive, the person being abused may not even realize it. She may convince herself that the abuser is only upset and taking it out on her because he loves her or that the abuse was an accident.

Some people have a set definition of what qualifies as abuse and the truth is, many things can be abusive and it really depends on how the person being abused feels about it. One thing that is certain is that no one has to stay in an abusive relationship. Family law attorneys in Batavia, Illinois can help protect you from your abuser with an Order of Protection.

Abuse typically starts out small and builds into much more aggressive acts. Some actions that are considered abusive and also may lead to worse acts of harm, according to DomesticViolence.org, include:

• Putting you down and making you feel bad about yourself or your actions
• Threatening suicide to get you to do something
• Threatening you, your other family members, your friends, or your pets
• Threatening you with weapons
• Acts of aggression such as kicking, slapping, hitting, choking, biting, and pushing
• Preventing you from getting your paycheck or taking it from you
• Not allowing you to see your family or friends
• Not allowing you to go to work
• Forcing you to have sex or take part in sexual acts that you do not like

Abuse takes many different forms, not just physical, it can also be psychological, emotional, or sexual. The first step in keeping yourself out of harm's way from your abuser is to get an order of protection, which is a legal document ordering your abuser to stay a certain distance away from you.

Van A. Larson is an attorney and counselor who can help you with your Order of Protection and divorce if you are married to your abuser as well. Contact our Illinois domestic abuse attorney today with your family law questions in Illinois.