Domestic violence, once one of society’s dirty little secrets, is finally being brought out of the shadows and being treated as what it is — a crime.
Victims once suffered in silence and hid behind closed doors as they sought help in the legal system. Now, there are many advocates openly and actively working with abuse victims. This helps dismantle the stigma victims face and makes talking about it easier. As Raleigh family law attorneys ourselves, we try to do our part by making information on domestic violence available to everyone.
These are always difficult and challenging cases. The victims are rightfully frightened. The path they follow to get relief from their abusers can be as threatening as the abuser. It does not have to be that way. There are many caring and concerned people who are waiting to help along the way.
Domestic Violence: The Statistics
In 2010-11, the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission reports that more than 95,000 reports were made to law enforcement for domestic violence incidents.
Domestic violence knows no age limits, no racial barriers, no class standings. Abusers come in all shapes, all sizes, all races, all income levels and are of both sexes. One crucial fact to remember: the victim is never the cause of the abuse.
The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence gives this definition:
“Domestic Violence is when two people get into an intimate relationship and one person uses a pattern of coercion and control against the other person during the relationship and/or after the relationship has terminated. It often includes physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse.”
If that definition covers you, then please seek help. We are here to help you. This site contains volumes of information on domestic violence and resources for victims.
If you need help dealing with a domestic violence situation, contact us. You are not alone and you do not need to suffer in silence any longer.
