Domestic violence (DV)

DV includes physical attacks, threats, intimidation, verbal attacks on a personal level (put-downs, insults, undermining your self-confidence) and other efforts to control you. It can be difficult to distinguish between high levels of divorce conflict and forms of domestic abuse and violence. The DV profile is more about cases where your spouse has been an habitual controller/abuser over a period of time.

Solutions for Domestic violence (DV)

If you are dealing with a habitual controller/abuser, someone with a habit and history of psychological undermining, over control, or physical abuse, our usual advice for difficult cases is useless because controller/abusers tend to be unresponsive to reason. Their need to control or abuse is too strong. Instead, read my free article, What You Can Do About Spousal Abuse During Divorce.

Safety first. If you fear for the safety of yourself or a child, don’t take chances. Go somewhere safe. Visit a friend or relative or a DV shelter—anywhere you can’t be found.

Get specialized help. What you need most now is personal advice and counseling from someone who specializes in domestic abuse. Ask any local police agency or the court clerk to refer you to local shelters and domestic violence support groups.