Non-physical domestic violence is one of the most overlooked forms of abuse. We hear a lot about physical abuse and domestic violence, but it seems like nobody is talking about just how damaging emotional and/or financial abuse can be for a person. Though anyone can be intimidated by a significant other during an argument, men are more likely to engage in emotional or financial abuse behaviors during confrontation. And, these behaviors are not always labeled as “abuse.” As a society, we are more likely to overlook intimidating behaviors if they only occur during arguments, or if the behaviors are not physical, or if there are no bruises or injuries. This pattern of non-physical domestic violence is often what experts now describe as coercive control, and Utah courts increasingly recognize it as a factor in custody and protective order decisions. Even though the Utah domestic abuse code is broad, using intimidation is still a form of domestic abuse.
Yelling
A lot of people yell during an argument. While yelling itself is not necessarily abusive, it can become a tool of intimidation when one partner uses it to dominate the other. If your significant other yells at you in a way that makes you feel afraid, or yells at you to silence you, that crosses a line. Yelling at someone until they are too scared to defend themselves, or to continue the conversation, is a form of domestic abuse. Your significant other should not attempt to end arguments by making you so scared that you just give up and do whatever they want.
Not Respecting Your Space and Privacy
When emotions run high, people say things and behave in manners they would not normally. However, another person should never invade your personal space during an argument. Though body language during an argument is vastly different from everyday body language, your partner should never physically get up in your face during a disagreement. If you are stepping back from your partner in an argument, your partner should not continue advancing toward you. And, your significant other should never have you cornered against a wall while they are arguing with you. Women in heterosexual relationships are particularly susceptible to the aforementioned experiences since they are generally physically smaller than their male counterparts. Cornering someone, or physically intimidating someone with your body, even if no physical contact is made, can still constitute domestic abuse.
Pushing
Pushing, shoving, and other low-grade physical contact is often dismissed as not being “real” violence. However, any unwanted physical contact during an argument is a form of physical abuse. While you may feel as though these incidents are not enough to warrant a police report, they are signs that your partner may have a violent propensity. Behaviors like pushing, shaking, grabbing, and lunging are all forms of physical aggression and are never okay. If you do not feel the need to contact the authorities, you need to at the very least inform a trusted friend or family member. In Salt Lake County, you can contact a domestic violence advocate for non-emergency assistance. And, statewide, you can contact the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. If you feel as though you are in danger at any point, do not hesitate to contact the police.
Damaging Items
During a fight, your significant other should never throw or hit any objects around you. It does not matter if your partner was not throwing or hitting these items at you specifically. The act of damaging items is a form of intimidation and is often a precursor to physical violence against a person. If your significant other is breaking items during an argument, that is a warning sign that they could eventually physically hurt you.
Re-evaluating the Relationship
If your significant other engages in the aforementioned behaviors, it may be time to re-evaluate your relationship. If your significant other has already physically injured you, the time to leave is now. After your significant other has engaged in violent behavior, that person is not thinking about how to prevent it in the future. He or she is wondering how to drop domestic violence charges in Utah. If you need help exiting an abusive relationship, the domestic violence hotline or the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition may be able to direct you to resources. Again, even if abusers apologize, they are not thinking about changing. They are wondering how to drop domestic violence charges in Utah.
Protecting Yourself
If you do not feel safe in your relationship 100% of the time, it is time to leave. At CoilLaw, we can help you leave a marriage that has been damaged by domestic violence. But we do not just handle divorce. The technical name for a domestic violence lawyer is “family law attorney.” So if you need to hire a domestic violence lawyer in Salt Lake City, you can actually hire one of our attorneys at CoilLaw. Our experienced team can help you obtain a protective order, even if you are not married to your abuser. If you know you need to make a change, contact CoilLaw today.
