Parents Choosing To Exit A Violent Marriage
When there is violence in a family, everyone in the home is impacted. This is true for children who witness violence between their parents as well as the spouses themselves. Kids see their parents as models of grown behavior. After all, they watch their parents communicate and then follow their lead. While learning to share and support one another is productive, learning to cope with problems with violence is destructive, witnessing violence in the home can have negative impacts for years to come.
If you are in a violent marriage, exiting the union is one step you can take to protect yourself and your children from life-long physical harm and mental health issues. To learn more about how to effectively and safely leave a volatile relationship, talk to a Port St. Lucie family law attorney. A Florida lawyer who has experience in domestic violence divorces will be able to direct you to the support you need and will aggressively pursue the best legal agreement to secure your physical safety far into the future.
Family Members, Ex-Partners, and Spouses
When there is violence within a domestic sphere, law enforcement will refer to the event as a domestic violence incident. This could be the case if the people involved are spouses, roommates, family members, or ex-partners. That said, the majority of domestic violence incidents involve romantic unions, this could be a current spouse or a former ex-partner. The abuse could include one or more of the following behaviors.
- Physical violence, from hitting and punching to pushing and kicking.
- Forced sexual acts.
- Psychological abuse, including intimidation and threats.
- Emotional violence, such as name calling and insults.
If you have experienced any of the above in your home, realize that if you have children they may have witnessed the abuse as well. There are millions of children who witness violence with or without their parents’ knowledge.
Long-Term Negative Impacts
Children who witness violence in their home may blame themselves for the abuse or be fearful of the abuse being found out by someone outside of the home. All of the disruption and emotional distress can lead to mental health issues, including isolation and unhealthy behaviors. When children witness domestic violence during their formative years, they are more likely to become involved in a violent relationship in adulthood, as either an abuser or victim of abuse.
Make providing a nurturing and caring home for your children a top priority. If it’s time for you to pursue divorce and build a better life for you children and yourself, talk to a Port St. Lucie family law attorney.
Do you want to talk to a legal expert about exiting an abusive marriage? There are possibilities ahead, even when you feel trapped in an unhealthy situation. When you talk to the aggressive and compassionate legal team at Baginski, Brandt & Brandt, you are connecting with skillful, knowledgeable attorneys who have the experience you need and have access to additional resources, from counselors to accountants, if needed. Contact us today to book your fee-free, confidential consultation.
