The connection between divorce and domestic violence

It’s not uncommon for divorce and domestic violence to go hand-in-hand. While men can be the victims of domestic violence, women are far more likely to suffer abuse at the hands of their husbands.

Sometimes it’s because of domestic violence that women initiate a divorce. In other cases, the physical abuse doesn’t begin until the woman makes the decision to leave. A husband’s anger that his wife is leaving can escalate into violence.

Physical abuse is all-too-often accompanied by emotional and financial abuse. Husbands have been known to harass their wives at work to the point where they lose their jobs. Some have drained bank accounts and maxed out credit cards (something women can do just as easily).

Getting back to domestic violence, statistics have shown that the most dangerous time for women is when they leave a relationship. That’s why it’s essential for women who are leaving an abusive relationship, or even a husband they fear could be “provoked” to violence by being left, to have a safety plan in place before they tell their husband they want to end the marriage. Make sure that there are people ready to protect you if necessary and that you and your children have a safe place to go if you need to leave immediately.

If you are planning to divorce your spouse, you should already be consulting a Nevada family law attorney. He or she can help you take steps to protect yourself financially and physically. If you need to get a protective order in place, your attorney can work to arrange that. Your lawyer can also help you locate a shelter or other safe place to go if you don’t have family or friends in the area to take you in.

Many women don’t like to admit that they’re the victims of domestic violence, and some, sadly, even feel shame in admitting it. However, having a support system of family, friends and professionals in place can save your life.

Source: Forbes, “Domestic Violence and Divorce,” Jeff Landers, accessed Jan. 31, 2017