Domestic violence can be devastating for an entire household. The trauma from seeing the abuse can follow children into adulthood, while the victim could sustain permanent injuries. As an outsider, getting involved could escalate the level of violence, which is why you should tread carefully. If a friend, colleague, neighbor, relative, or anyone else in your life is experiencing domestic violence, here is a guide to how you can help. 

How to Identify Domestic Violence

Although most of the verbal and physical abuse might happen behind closed doors, a couple might exhibit signs of trouble in public. If you suspect a problem, pay close attention to how they behave in social situations. This could include the victim becoming quieter or agitated when the abuser enters the room or avoiding certain topics for fear of upsetting them. They might also act uncomfortable or frightened when touched by the abuser. If you notice and mention injuries, they might blame clumsiness or another accident as the cause. The abuser might make disparaging remarks about their victim or act hostile toward them in the presence of others. Children in the household might act depressed or avoid interactions with one or both parents. 

How to Report Abuse 

Confronting the abuser directly could be dangerous for you and the victim, which is why there are protocols in place to report domestic violence. Let the individual know of your concerns and suggest that the authorities intervene. For assistance, you can reach out to a domestic violence hotline and alert them of the situation. Trained representatives will offer guidance on how to proceed. They will tell you how to report the situation to local authorities and where the victim and their children can stay for safety. If you witness an incident as it happens, call 911 immediately. This will start the paperwork process, which could lead to an order of protection for the victim and persecution for the abuser. Otherwise, take pictures of the injuries to include in the domestic violence incident report.

If you or a loved one is the victim of domestic violence, contact the Law Office of Michael Davidson, PLLC in Lexington, KY. With over 30 years of experience, the attorney is trained in family law matters and will help you obtain restraining orders, a divorce settlement, and child custody to begin the healing process. To schedule a consultation, call (859) 225-1717. Visit the family attorney online to learn how he has helped clients in the past.