Domestic Violence Myths and Misconceptions

Too often, domestic violence is shrouded in a veil of secrecy. Abusers never admit to their violent actions, and victims are often too afraid to let anyone know of their abuse or injuries. While domestic violence is a serious matter, there are also myths and misconceptions surrounding domestic violence that results in a lack of understanding about the severity of the issue. The following are the most common domestic violence myths and misconceptions.

MYTH: Domestic violence is a family matter, best left private.

FACT: Domestic violence is a crime and is illegal. Physically abusing someone else, even if you are related to them, or they live in the same home, does not prevent this from being an illegal act, and criminal activity. Keeping the matter private only perpetuates abuse and removes the opportunity for intervention and justice for the victim.

MYTH: Only physical abuse is serious.

FACT: Domestic violence typically involves physical abuse, which is a criminal act. There are other ways to abuse a victim, including emotional and mental abuse, that may not rise to the level of a criminal offense. However, these acts of domestic violence need to be taken just as seriously, and a victim deserves to be free from any kind of emotional abuse or harm.

MYTH: Victims share blame by provoking their partner.

FACT: No one, under any circumstances, deserves any share of the blame for being a victim of domestic violence. Ever.

MYTH: Domestic violence is just an anger management issue.

FACT: While many domestic violence abusers clearly have issues with managing their anger, those who perpetrate domestic violence on their victims are more than just mad. These abusers are typically manipulative and act with deliberation. They typically intentionally and purposely choose victims that are easier to manipulate and abuse. For example, many abusers will commit acts of violence against their partner but will never commit any acts of violence against their manager at work, co-workers, or friends, even if they get angry with them.

MYTH: Domestic violence would never happen here.

FACT: Domestic violence happens everywhere. Anyone can be affected. All races, religious groups, age groups, education brackets, and economic levels have domestic abusers and victims. Believing that this is a problem that only happens in certain types of communities or households keeps this criminal activity in the shadows and in secrecy.

MYTH: Victims should just leave.

FACT: Most people who say a victim should just leave the abuser have never been in a domestic violence situation. These victims have been systematically demoralized, living an environment of terror, oftentimes with an inability to financially provide for themselves if they do leave. Given the fact that they have been physically abused, the threats of violence they receive when they consider leaving are not empty threats, but real. Statistics have proven that the most dangerous period of time for a victim is when they plan to leave, or the abuser finds out that they are trying to leave.

Contact an Attorney Today

If you are the victim of domestic violence, contact the police, and get to a safe place as quickly as you can. Your safety and your life are paramount. Domestic violence is a crime. Contact an experienced attorney today at the Law Office of Michelanne Hrubic at 951-888-0631 to discuss your options regarding an order of protection against your abuser.