|
|
It is not easy to recognize spousal abuse simply because of deceptive appearances. Most of the psychologists and other mental health professionals find it difficult to tell if someone in a relationship is being abused. Usually, the victims try to appear happy and content in company of his/her spouse which makes people assume that both are perfectly blessed and happily married. The signs of spousal abuse can be identified by only the one who is being abused. But here again, some try to escape the cruel reality because either they live in denial or in love with the abuser or scared of perceived social humiliation.
Spousal abuse is common phenomenon in every part of the world. It is a false notion that only women living in developing countries are affected with this social malice but the truth is, in countries like USA and Canada, despite the fact that women are liberated and in higher positions, they would rather keep spousal abuse to themselves. They consider incidents of abuse as a private matter between the couple and hope to rectify the situation sometime in future. A large percentage of women suffer a major assault by their partners in any given 12-month period. Spousal abuse has repercussions on several levels like, loss of productivity, dysfunctional family, and severe effects on children etc.
It is the responsibility of the individual who is directly abused by a spouse or partner to recognize spousal abuse. Some indications include, constantly afraid of partner, avoid talking about issues that can make the partner react in an aggressive manner, feelings of guilt and shame, fantasizing about killing your partner and feeling emotionally numb etc. These are definite signs of spousal abuse.
Spousal abuse can in form of:-
Physical abuse
Financial abuse
Verbal / non-verbal abuse which is also known as mental torture
Stalking and
Sexual abuse
Some of the startling signs of spousal abuse are bruises, insufficient financial resources, depression, social isolation, constant fear, decreased productivity and concentration and frequent absences from work etc. It is hard for others to define the type of spousal abuse that the victim is going through.
|
|
