Domestic violence affects millions of people globally. While Physical abuse is the most obvoius type of cruelty. There are numerous hidden and often unnoticed forms of violence that can have equally devastating consequences, such as:
- Emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
- Sexual assault
- Coercive control
- Gaslighting
These insidious types of abuse can cause long-lasting damage.
Let’s explore this cruelty in detail.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is one of the most subtle types of domestic abuse. Even though emotional abuse doesn’t always result in physical harm, its repercussions might last a lifetime.
Emotional abusers control, humiliate, and manipulate their victims through their words, deeds, and behaviors. They could diminish their partner’s accomplishments, minimize their partner’s viewpoints, and cut them off from friends and family.
The victim of emotional abuse may experience persistent anxiety, fear, and jitters. It’s critical to get support and assistance if you or someone you love is being abused emotionally.
Financial abuse
Financial abuse is a prevalent form of domestic violence that is often overlooked. Financial abusers may manipulate and exert control over their relationship through their finances.
The victim may feel imprisoned and powerless since they may stop their spouse from working or managing all of the money in the partnership. Financial abuse can have detrimental long-term effects, such as lowered credit ratings and fewer financial options.
To treat and avoid this type of domestic abuse, it is imperative to recognize the indicators of financial abuse.
If you or someone you know is being abused financially, you must get support and assistance.
Sexual Assault
Any unwelcome sexual behavior or contact without agreement is considered sexual assault, which can take many different forms, such as:
- Rape
- Coercion
- Harassment.
It can be difficult for victims of sexual assault to get assistance since they often feel scared, guilty, and ashamed of themselves.
According to Rape Crisis England & Wales, One in four women and one in eighteen men may encounter sexual violence at some point in their lives.
In addition, there are severe medical and psychological repercussions that can arise from sexual assault, such as unintended pregnancies, STDs, depression, and PTSD. Thus, for many survivors, identifying the warning symptoms of sexual assault and getting help can change their lives.
Coercive Control
Coercive control is a hidden form of domestic violence where the abuser gains power over the victim through various behaviors, including isolation, monitoring, and control over finances.
It often involves emotional abuse, threats, and intimidation, causing victims to feel trapped and helpless. Gaslighting, a tactic used to manipulate reality, is another common form of coercive control.
What Happens After an Abuser Gets Arrested?
Domestic violence cases involve a series of steps, including booking, interview, and phone calls. The abuser is taken to a police station or jail, where they are interviewed and may be allowed to use the phone to contact counsel or family. However, each state has guidelines for phone calls, and all calls are considered a courtesy.
After it, the abuser is typically held in jail until they appear in court, which can be as soon as possible or no later than 48 hours after arrest. The court will inform the defendant of the charges, set domestic violence charge bail bond or remand them to custody, and schedule the next court appearance.
If bail is denied, the abuser is taken back to jail until their next court appearance. Victims can post bail for the defendant, especially when children are involved, and childcare or work disruptions are concerns.