Domestic abuse leads to a lot of divorces in Indiana. There are many different forms of domestic abuse including physical violence, verbal abuse and financial abuse. Any type of abuse in a relationship is considered domestic abuse.

IT’S ALL ABOUT CONTROL

When one partner physically attacks the other, this domestic violence can cause an imbalance in power in the relationship. However, physical violence is not the only form of controlling behavior that an abusive partner uses.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling behavior that makes the victim scared, intimidated and isolated. A person who is being abused in their relationship will likely have low self esteem and a lack of independence.

ONLY ONE PERSON CAN BE THE ABUSER

Since domestic abuse is about one partner having unequal power over the other, there is no mutual abuse. Both partners may harm each other, but one partner is using harmful behaviors in self defense against their abuser.

It’s common for an abusive partner to accuse the victim of being the abuser. This is called blame shifting, and it’s used to make the victim feel like they deserve to be abused. Both partners may be exhibiting unhealthy behaviors, but in an abusive relationship, one partner will have most of the control.

GETTING OUT OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

If you are in an abusive relationship, you need to get to safety as soon as possible. Since abusive partners usually separate their victims from family and friends, you may need to contact a local advocacy group or the National Domestic Violence hotline to develop an escape plan. It’s also a good idea to file a restraining order against your abuser, especially if your partner has been physically violent.