Domestic violence is a scary problem across the world. Reports indicate that in the U.S., one in three women and one in four men have experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime. In some other parts of the world, many cases of domestic violence remain underreported.

Domestic violence involves repeated abuse or mistreatment in a relationship that ultimately leads to gaining control over the other partner or family member. Domestic violence is behavior that inflicts harm on a family member physically, sexually, emotionally, economically, or psychologically.

Though statistical results reveal that women and girls primarily suffer abuse when it comes to domestic violence, it is a tragedy that can happen to anyone, no matter their gender.

What Is Domestic Violence in Tucson, Arizona?

Domestic violence, according to Arizona statutes, includes any crime committed by one family or household member against another, including dangerous and violent acts, threats to use violence against someone, or any other criminal action. For an act to fall under the category of domestic violence, it must be committed against a family or household member.

Family or household members include:

•       Spouses
•       Former spouses
•       People currently or formerly living together
•       People related to each other through blood or marriage
•       Parents
•       People who have had or are currently having sexual relationships

Domestic violence in Tucson isn’t a standalone criminal charge. Rather, it becomes a factor in establishing penalties against the attack on other statutes. For instance, if you’re found guilty of assault, and that assault happened to be against a family or household member, you could be looking at harsher punishments.

How to Protect Yourself Against Domestic Violence

1.     Safety Plan

The biggest misconception about domestic violence and any form of abuse is that the victim can easily fight back or leave the relationship. Many victims try to fight back and move on but they may find themselves being pulled back into the relationship through coercion and manipulation, making it very hard to create a safe exit plan.

Moving on safely from an abusive relationship may take weeks, months, or even years, especially in marriage or parent-child relationships. If possible, consult an experienced domestic violence attorney, who can help you get out of the relationship legally. Meanwhile, below are some things you could do to ensure your safety:

•   Understand when your abuser begins to demonstrate signs of aggression.
• Identify the safest areas in your house. Don’t choose small spaces, rooms containing weapons, or rooms without exits.
•   Prepare several excuses to use for not staying home (day and night).
•   Generate a secret code word to inform your family and friends about danger.
•   Memorize a list of family numbers for urgent calls.
•   Keep your gas tank full. Consider leaving the driver’s door unlocked or hiding a spare key where you can access it quickly.
•   Build up a supportive structure of family, friends, and co-workers.
•   Use collect calls or prepaid phones so the phones can’t be traced.
•   Use a computer on a different network than your home network, and change your passwords regularly.

2.     Inform the Authorities

Leave the home or get away from the abuser, and immediately try to contact the local authorities. There may be a local helpline where you can call and report your situation. They can help you get through the process of leaving the abuser.

Be precise in recounting the incident to the police during or right after a violent scene. Be sure to obtain the case number of the police report. Ask them to connect you with a local crisis center so that you may have a temporary place to stay.

3.     Look for Professional Help

Repeated instances of domestic violence cause trauma, anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental distress. You may find yourself feeling unsafe or having problems sleeping even after safely leaving the abusive situation. Remember that healing is possible during those difficult moments.

Having a professional assist you in recovering from abuse is one of the most essential steps in this process. Professional therapy will teach you how to develop healthy coping skills to deal with the traumatic effects of the abuse. You will also learn healthy coping skills to deal with anxiety and depression and may receive appropriate medication.

Abuse inflicts scars, both physical and mental. Professional help in the form of a counselor or psychiatrist can help you rebuild and reclaim your life.

4.     Join a Support Group

A support group plays an important role in your recovery and overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse. You can learn about healing from other people’s experiences and find courage in their stories. Support groups can also give you a sense of belonging to a larger whole. Being abused can be a very isolating feeling, so one of the first ways in which you can begin to heal is to regain social connections and rebuild your sense of community.

5.     Avoid All Contact With Your Abuser

Abusers can be incredibly pushy. Some might keep trying to track you down and reach out, hoping to get you back with promises of being an improved partner, parent, sibling, or whatever the relationship may be. In these cases, it’s crucial to stay strong and refuse any contact. Instead, prioritize your healing and safety.

Hire an Experienced Domestic Violence Tucson Lawyer

An abusive family member can make everyday existence unbearable, but there are legal means individuals can pursue to protect themselves and their families. In Tucson, victims of domestic abuse can immediately be protected from threats or harm by seeking an Order of Protection or temporary orders through the courts.

Retaining the services of a skilled family lawyer like Priscilla Frisby will ensure you have the support and representation to get through various family law complexities. Always keep in mind that you are not alone and that help is within your reach. Following the proactive path of dealing with abuse in the household can get you back to a safer environment and give you choices for the future.