Illinois Family Law: What is Spousal Abuse?

 Posted on November 21, 2014 in Kane County family law attorney

Too often both men and women feel trapped within a marriage--aware they are not happy, and yet unable to justify to themselves a reason to obtain a divorce in Illinois. In many of these cases, one or both parties are not even aware of the physical, and especially psychological damages remaining in an unhappy relationship can cause.

The phrase 'domestic violence' normally carries the connotation of a stereotypical abusive man using physical means to impose will or control over his partner. Physical violence is not always the problem however, as spousal abuse extends to verbal and emotional torment as well.

Consider the following list of common forms of abuse:

• Physical'Abuse: This incorporates pushing, punching, slapping, as well as unwarranted restraint.
• Verbal'Abuse: This type of abuse refers to excessive and extreme yelling and screaming, and especially name-calling.
• Emotional Abuse: Spousal abuse is indeed a serious problem with staggering statistics, and broad consequences.

Quantifying the different types of domestic abuse into specific figures makes this even more apparent:

• An average of 25 percent of women will experience domestic violence at some point, and 85 percent of victims are women.
• It is estimated that between two and four million women are battered each year.
• About one-third of female homicide victims are actually killed by their significant others or partners.
• Use of sleeping pills, sedatives and antidepressants--in addition to illicit drugs--has been found to begin to increase in prevalence as early as four years prior to a divorce, and skyrockets in the months preceding, during, and after.

On the whole, there are many couples across Illinois--and the entire United States--feeling as if their situation does not merit divorce. The truth is many of these same people are being abused in one way or the other by their spouse without even realizing it--simply because their perception of what constitutes abuse is skewed.

In addition to the proper authorities if necessary, it is critical to consult a legal professional in instances of spousal abuse in order to explore every option. [[title]], serving the greater Kane County, Illinois area, will be there to assist you every step of the way. Contact a Kane County domestic violence lawyer today for your concerns regarding spousal abuse law.