Why Does Florida Domestic Abuse Often Go Unreported?
It is common in celebrity gossip to see an allegedly abused spouse stay with their partner, provoking confusion or even anger. The average person may wonder why one spouse stays in the relationship after allegedly being abused. In reality, people remain in abusive relationships, and often do not even report alleged abuse, for several different reasons. If you are in this situation, know that you are not alone, and there is help for you.
Fear And Shame
It is difficult to arrive at a true estimate of the rate of domestic violence in the United States, but data reported by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) estimates that the true amount of domestic violence-related incidents each year in the U.S. is underreported by anywhere between 29 and 53 percent. The reasons cited by members of affiliated studies very often had to do with fear – fear of retaliation from their alleged abuser, fear of losing parenting time or access to their children in general, or simple fear of not being believed.
Fear and shame are constantly cited by victims who chose not to report, regardless of other factors. That said, this may be a particularly cutting issue for men, who are stereotypically cast as perpetrator rather than victim, and are continually fed messages about being ‘masculine’ and ‘strong’ – to be a victim of abuse flies in the face of everything preached to men in this society. It can mean that both gay and straight men retreat and take abuse they do not deserve, because the stigma around admitting to being a victim of domestic violence is too strong.
You Do Not Have To Do It Alone
The decision to report domestic violence and/or leave an abusive relationship is one of the most dangerous moments for the victim within a cycle of abuse. Statistics show that the 18 months immediately following a report or a breakup are by far the most dangerous, with the homicide rate for people in this position spiking significantly. In some cases, the depth of fear and shame can even put a victim in a position where they do not feel safe cooperating with law enforcement.
All of this means that without the right support system, victims of domestic abuse may find it too frightening to report their abuser. That support system can begin with the right attorney, who knows the ins and outs of this type of case. They can prioritize your safety and the safety of your children, ensuring that you have what you need to free yourself from abuse once and for all.
Contact A West Palm Beach Domestic Violence Attorney
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you do not have to stay quiet and take it. The right West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can work to help protect you and your loved ones – you deserve both physical safety and peace of mind. Call our office today to speak to an attorney.
Source:
counciloncj.org/toward-a-better-estimate-of-domestic-violence-in-america/
