Preventing spousal abuse requires a potential victim to take a proactive stance, according to HelpGuide.org. Early identification of a potential abuser and accessing assistance from professionals and other community resources represent basic tools in the process of preventing spousal abuse, according to "Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" by Lundy Bancroft.
Background
A primary element of preventing spousal abuse is understanding what constitutes domestic violence or abuse, according to HelpGuide.org. Spousal abuse is not only physical violence. Spousal abuse includes emotional and psychological abuse as well. Spousal abuse tends to escalate from verbal attacks to physical violence. Preventing more serious forms of spousal abuse occurs with early intervention, before physical violence takes place.
Features
Primary prevention of spousal abuse includes recognizing the early warning signs that a husband or wife has a potential for abusive conduct, according to HelpGuide.org. Controlling behavior is a prime feature of the personality of a person prone to inflict abuse on his spouse. For example, a potentially abusive spouse attempts to regulate the comings and going of his wife from the residence. Seeking outside, professional assistance when this type of trait is exhibited is a fundamental line of defense against spousal abuse.
Considerations
The primary consideration associated with preventing spousal abuse is protecting the safety and welfare of the victim or potential victim. In virtually all cases, protecting the safety and welfare of the victim means that she must physically separate herself from her spouse. Accessing an emergency or transitional shelter may be the best alternative to ensure that a potentially abusive spouse cannot inflict harm on her.
Misconceptions
A prevalent misconception associated with effective primary prevention in spousal abuse cases is that a victim can stop the violence. A victim concludes that her own behavior is causing her husband to abuse her. In reality, abusive conduct is the fault of the abuser. A victim cannot stop domestic abuse by changing her own patterns of behavior, according to "Stopping Domestic Violence" by Pamela Jenkins and Barbara Parmer Davidson.
Expert Assistance
A primary line of defense--a principal way of preventing spousal abuse--is accessing professional support services. These include everything from mental health professionals to legal assistance through the court system. The American Bar Association provides resources to assist in locating attorneys in your area. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 800-787-3224, assists in accessing resources for victims of spousal abuse in local communities, including emergency services.
References
- HelpGuide.org: Domestic Violence and Abuse
- Stopping Domestic Violence"; Pamela Jenkins & Barbara Parmer Davidson; 2001
- "Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men"; Lundy Bancroft; 2003
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