When people think of domestic violence, the usual scenario they imagine features a male perpetrator and a female victim. While this is certainly the most common type of abuse reported, it is also important to remember that it is far from the only type of domestic abuse that occurs.
There are certainly cases of domestic abuse where a man is abused by his wife or girlfriend and the truth of the matter is that these crimes often go unreported due to embarrassment or embarrassment. In our culture, the image of a woman hitting or assaulting a man is played for laughs, but if you find yourself in a situation where you fear for your safety or live in an environment of fear, it’s time to consider what your next step could be.
No one likes to admit that they are in a relationship where they are being abused, and more than that, there is the concern that they don’t know they are being abused. Sometimes things like physical bullying start small and escalate later, or maybe each incident seems isolated, not indicative of a trend. Take a look at some of the signs below and consider whether or not you may be an abused spouse.
Ask yourself if your wife has ever hit you. Many men will dismiss their wives hitting them as playful or funny, but remember that sometimes “playful” hitting is the opposite. If his spouse ever hit you out of anger or exasperation, or if he did something that made you feel threatened, now is the time to stop and really take stock of your relationship.
Does your spouse believe you, either in public or in private? One way people gain control over their partners is by constantly making them feel like they can’t do anything right. This essentially fosters a dependency on your spouse’s approval and can be extremely damaging. It can also make escaping much more difficult psychologically.
Has your wife ever tried to separate you from your family or friends? There’s a difference between not caring about her family or friends and taking steps to make sure you can’t see them. One of the most important actions of an abuser is to separate you from the people who love and care about you. Do you feel like you’re drifting further and further away from the people you care about?
Another important sign that you might be being abused is that you find yourself increasingly silenced. It may not be something as obvious as your spouse speaking up for you or telling you to shut up. Do you feel reluctant to talk to your friends and family about fights you’ve had? Do you avoid telling the truth because of “the way it sounds”? This is a very strong indicator that something has gone drastically wrong.
If you are an abused spouse, take action immediately. There is no excuse for cruelty to another person and you owe it to yourself to get out of a situation that may or may already become dangerous for you. This is vital!
