What to Do About Spouse Abuse

Spuse abuse can occur in any relationship. Victims can suffer injuries ranging from psychological abuse to severe battering and murder. Abuse is rarely a one-time act, each time getting more severe.

Women face barriers to leave an abusive relationship. Wome fear retaliation from their abusers if they try to leave, go to the police, or press charges. Often the women is not the family's primary wage earner, and she faces economic hardship if she leaves or if her husband goes to jail.

Victims of abuse can recieve help through counseling, spouse abusers usually need treatment to help them learn to change their pattern of behavior. Abusers are frequently addicted to alcohol or drugs. Some state statutes require counseling for spouse abusers as a condition of their probation.

What to Do If Spouse Abuse Occurs

-Call the police. If the police do not make an arrest, a police report can support later legal actions. For instance, victims can later file charges on their own and testify against their spuses, request protective orders, or file for divorce.

-Consult a domestic violence advocate. Various organizations can provide victims of domestic violence with assistance in the areas of economic independence and safe housing.

-Obtain a protective order. Courts can order an abuser to stop the abuse, cease all contact with his or her spouse, leave the home, get counseling, or do something else.

-Move out. The law does not require an abuse victim to stay in the family home.

-Obtain a divorce. If a couple is legally separated, one spouse has no right to enter the other's home without permission.

Do not be scared to report spouse abuse if your the spouse being abused or just a neighbor.