One in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner. The pandemic has affected the lives of us all, and with sexual and physical violence against women during the pandemic on the rise, even more so for those who are living in abusive situations. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, every minute 20 people are abused by a partner. Undoubtedly, the stress that has come along with the pandemic has exacerbated things in homes. Whether you’ve been the victim of sexual and physical violence against women, are in need of a consultation with sex crimes attorneys or looking for a way out of an abusive relationship, you will find this information helpful.
Sexual and Physical Violence Against Women: How To Get Help
Being in an abusive relationship is bad news for all parties involved. Physical or sexual abuse is a major strain on both the victim and the abuser, and both individuals need to seek help. Instead of making apologies and empty promises, it’s best to get help. Victims can survive domestic abuse and come out a much better person and maintain healthy relationships moving forward. Abusers can get counseling and learn healthy behaviors to replace the bad, and also heal, make amends and move forward into healthy adult relationships. Deciding to get help isn’t always an easy decision. Stepping out into the unknown can be scary. Change is hard sometimes. You know you don’t feel good where you are, but the question looms, “Where do I go?” There is no shortage of organizations that can be of assistance. Rainn and Center for Prevention of Abuse are just two organizations that can get you moving in the right direction.
Support for Sexual and Physical Violence Against Women
If you’re not in an abusive relationship, domestic violence and sexual abuse should still concern you. Society as a whole needs to be just as concerned about abuse as it should be this COVID-19 pandemic. We have to be more supportive of abusers and victims. We have to speak out against it and hold people accountable. Doing so with compassion and thoughtfulness can truly change the direction of someone’s life. A little education can go a long way. Knowing the signs and being attentive to others is helpful.
Child and Elder Abuse
Sadly, it seems that other types of abuse are also on the rise. With so many shelter in place orders, quarantines and local emergency declarations, there’s a lot more points of contact between abusers and victims. Children, elders and the disabled are unfortunately some of the most vulnerable populations. Because these groups have a more difficult time attempting to stand up for themselves against abusers. Being on lockdown and having a severely limited choice of social outlets has weighed heavily on us all, and some people have not weathered the storm well.
With so many women claiming to have been victimized during this time, it’s important to pay attention. Abuse increases the risk of mental health disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, negative health outcomes, depression, suicide and substance abuse. This will create undesirable changes in the larger community that could be avoided. Claims of abuse need to be addressed and investigated for the welfare of everyone.
