Domestic violence is a heartbreaking and traumatic issue that is present all across the United States. However, despite the prevalence of this issue and the number of people it impacts, many domestic violence myths persist in our culture. Due to the covert nature of these incidents, many people harbor misconceptions about what domestic violence is and how to address it. These domestic violence myths can be incredibly dangerous because they can prevent domestic violence from being identified and stopped.
Debunking these domestic violence myths, therefore, is crucial. For example, one could litigate for damages after a car crash, but this does not change the sometimes irreversible injury and hurt that resulted from the crash. Proper awareness of domestic violence myths could then be compared to wearing seatbelts and driving defensively. Correct information and proper training to identify these situations can help expose and put a stop to domestic violence. Not only does this awareness help keep the individual safe, but it could also help promote the safety of others.
A skilled Virginia domestic violence lawyer from DiPietro Law Group, PLLC may be able to help clarify these domestic violence myths and evaluate a domestic violence case. Consider scheduling a consultation today by calling (571) 626-7389.
Myth #1: Domestic Violence is Only Physical Abuse
Many people imagine domestic violence as purely physical abuse. They may assume that because of the term domestic violence, the act is not domestic abuse if it does not involve physical harm. However, this is one of many domestic violence myths. Domestic violence can include emotional, verbal, sexual, and mental abuse. All of these can have lasting detrimental effects on an individual, even if they are not immediately obvious as forms of domestic violence. Understanding what can qualify as abuse in Virginia can help identify cases quickly.
Myth #2: Abuse is Impulsive, Not Planned or Intentional
Another domestic violence myth is that abusers are not in control of their actions when they commit domestic violence. Imagining someone actively choosing to harm somebody that they claim to care about can be difficult, which can lead many to the assumption that domestic violence occurs in moments and outbursts of anger or intense emotion. However, this is not the case. Domestic violence is not a momentary issue, but a pattern of power and control that involves violence and harm. Abusers are not lapsing into abuse, but perpetuating it as a lifestyle.
Myth #3: Victims of Abuse Could Leave If They Wanted
Perhaps the most prevalent and damaging of all domestic violence myths is that the victim could leave if they wanted to. This is incredibly damaging because it blames the victim for the actions of their abuser. In most cases, the victim of domestic violence is unable to see how they could provide for themselves. They may perceive their situation as inescapable, even if they truly desire to leave. Many victims of domestic violence are financially dependent on their abusers, which can make leaving even more difficult. Considering this, along with emotional and verbal abuse tactics that can demoralize and manipulate the victim, they may not be able to leave without help.
For more information on domestic violence myths, consider speaking to an experienced domestic violence attorney from DiPietro Law Group, PLLC.
Myth #4: Domestic Violence Only Affects Certain Demographics
Another prominent assumption about domestic abuse is that it only happens in certain demographics. As with many traumatic and terrible things, people tend to justify how it could never happen to them. As such, domestic violence can sometimes be explained away or ignored because people assume that such a thing would never happen to somebody like them. Domestic violence does not just happen to “other people.” Abuse can occur in wealthy and poor communities, across racial divides, and even to both men and women.
Myth #5: Domestic Violence Doesn’t Impact Many People
According to the National Library of Medicine, domestic violence impacts approximately ten million people per year in America. That amounts to one in four women and one in nine men. However, the issue is that more often than not, domestic violence is not reported to medical or legal authorities, due to the shame and emotional manipulation often present in domestic violence cases. This has led some to believe that domestic violence is one of the most common crimes in America, even if it is the least reported. This is why dispelling domestic violence myths is so important. Misinformation and unwillingness to bring these issues into the light give abusers power over their victims and allow them to continue their abuse and violence.
Myth #6: Non-Physical Abuse is Less Serious
Due to the visceral and painful nature of physical violence, people may assume that physical abuse is far more serious than other forms of abuse. While physical abuse can have serious and lasting consequences, this does not mean that other forms of domestic violence are less serious. All abuse is dangerous, harmful, and deserving of action. Verbal and emotional abuse can lead to deep wounds and hurts for their victims, and they may be unable to find help or even recognize the abuse because it is not physical. This can trap the victim in a cycle of domestic violence for much longer, and could even lead to more lasting effects than physical abuse. Acknowledging the impact of all kinds of abuse is key to getting rid of domestic violence myths.
Legal Definition of Domestic Violence in Virginia
In Virginia, another factor that may help defeat domestic violence myths is knowledge of the law. Each state may have differing statutes or categorizations for different types of abuse, so reading up on local state laws can be a great benefit when identifying domestic violence. Additionally, each state may have unique programs and organizations dedicated to protecting victims of domestic abuse and raising awareness. In Virginia, the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance may have several resources to help.
Contact a Virginia Domestic Violence Attorney Today
Domestic violence can impact anyone in any demographic or phase of life. Understanding how to combat domestic violence myths to allow a clearer understanding of abuse as a whole can help raise awareness of domestic violence. Greater awareness can help people in or connected to situations of domestic abuse recognize the issue and address it effectively. If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, a skilled domestic violence attorney from DiPietro Law Group, PLLC may be able to help with your case. Consider reaching out and scheduling a free consultation to discuss a case by calling the office at (571) 626-7389.
