Marriage menu
Menu
Marriage.com - Building World's Largest Marriage Resource

Search
Marriage.com - Building World's Largest Marriage Resource
  • Getting Married
    Pre Marriage Marriage Readiness Marriage Vows Marriage Preparation Marriage License View All view all
  • Married Life
    Relationship Love Communication Intimacy Celebs & Royals View All view all
  • Parenting & Family
    Parenting Family Pregnancy
  • Counseling & Help
    Marriage Counseling Infidelity Therapy Mental Health Divorce View All view all
  • Courses
    Marriage Save My Marriage Pre Marriage
  • Quizzes
    Relationship Quizzes Love Quizzes Couples Quiz
  • Find a Therapist
Home   â€º   Marriage Advice   â€º   Marriage Help

Tips On Dealing With Domestic Violence & Abuse

Tips on Dealing with Domestic Violence & Abuse

Domestic violence is a form of abuse, usually driven by the desire to demonstrate power and control. It is a pattern of abusive behavior projected on the spouse or children. Resulting in the imbalance of power, domestic violence can tear lives apart and cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) apart from other mental and physical issues.

No one deserves to be abused, and although it can be hard to identify the initial subtle signs of domestic violence, help is available, and the survivor or victim should act in the first instance.

In This Guide
  • What is domestic violence and abuse?
  • What are the effects of domestic abuse?
  • How to overcome domestic violence
  • Where can I get help for domestic violence? (Helpline, support, and counseling)

What is domestic violence and abuse?

Domestic violence is aggressive or violent behavior by one partner over another. It is usually done to exert power and control. There are different types of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, social, religious, and economic abuse. To safeguard yourself or anyone you know, go through this expert guide on What Domestic Violence and Abuse Is.
What are the different types of abuse?
Violence usually starts with unhealthy relationship patterns that often go unnoticed and unrecognized. However, domestic abuse goes way beyond physical scars and injury. Emotional, Psychological, Verbal & Physical are a few types of such abuse. Learn more about the types in this article that talks in detail about What the Different Types of Abuse Are.
Why do people stay in an abusive relationship?
At first, it is hard to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship, making it confusing for victims to decide whether to stay or leave. Most of the time, the abuser displays their positive side and maintains a period of calmness after the abuse. To understand this better, read this in-depth article to know Why Do People Stay in an Abusive Relationship.
What are the reasons behind domestic violence?
Every case is different, and it is impossible to predict the exact causes of domestic violence or guess how domestic violence starts. However, the need for power and control, lower self-esteem, mental illness, history of abuse, etc., are some of the common causes of domestic violence. Here’s a great read that talks about What the Reasons Behind Domestic Violence Are.
What are the signs of an abusive relationship?
Any form of abuse starts gradually and elevates to the point when the victim feels trapped and cornered. It is essential to look out for the warning signs, which include gaslighting, jealousy, suspicion, threatening, and so forth. To watch out and take action before things get out of hand, go through this list of What the Signs of an Abusive Relationship Are.
How are physical abuse and emotional abuse different?
Distinguishing physical abuse in marriages from emotional abuse is tricky as both severely impact the victim or the survivor. Practically, physical abuse means different ways to control the other person like pushing, pinching, slapping, restraining, hitting, while emotional abuse results in addiction, anxiety, or depression. To get a better idea, go through this quick guide and learn more about How Physical Abuse and Emotional Abuse Are Different.
What is financial abuse and how to deal with it?
Financial abuse can be extremely disorienting as this is one of the most ignored forms of abuse. Typically, financial abuse means the abuser gives no financial freedom to the victim. The abuser might also try to cut off the income sources or interfere with the job. One of the ways to deal with it is to have separate accounts. If you or anyone you know needs help, start by reading this guide that talks about What Financial Abuse Is and How to Deal With It.
How to identify abusive relationships
If you feel you are in an abusive relationship, trust your instincts. Besides, looking for the warning signs like jealousy, denial, goading, blaming, spying, threats, lecturing, name-calling, etc., check out for more signs discussed in detail in this article on How to Identify Abusive Relationships.

What are the effects of domestic abuse?

The impact of abuse shows deep within. It may lead to anxiety, denial, depleted self-worth, fear, and so forth. It poisons the root of the bond and sometimes ends up affecting every future relationship of the victim or survivor. To understand how to cope better, read this article and know in detail What the Effects of Domestic Abuse Are.
What are the effects of domestic violence on the victim?
Whether the spousal abuse is physical, mental, or emotional, domestic violence survivors can face ongoing challenges over an extended period of time. Depleted self-worth, denial, lack of trust are a few among them. Read this quick guide to know in detail What the Effects of Domestic Violence on the Victim Are.

What are the effects of domestic violence on children?
Whether children experience or witness domestic abuse, it can severely affect their development. The effects can be mental, and they are at higher risk of emotional problems as they grow up. To be prepared to deal with the resultant issues, familiarize yourself with What the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children Are.

How to overcome domestic violence

No matter what the circumstances, no one deserves to be abused in any way. To start with, it is essential that the victim accepts that they are being harassed or abused. Then they must develop a safety plan, call for help from the community, and begin by learning How to Overcome Domestic Abuse & Violence.

How to empower yourself against domestic violence
Abuse can take different forms and might be identifiable in the first instance. However, as soon as the victim recognizes the warning signs, they should begin taking action to empower themselves by seeking community help and creating safe boundaries with their spouse. To begin, you can read this guide and learn How to Empower Yourself Against Domestic Violence.

How to deal with an abusive partner
The first thing to look out for in an abusive relationship is protection and a safe place from the abuser. Besides this, you must be prepared to part ways if the situation is getting out of control. Read this helpful article to check out other ways to know How to Deal With an Abusive Partner.

How can we stop violence at home?
The first step to putting a halt to violence is recognizing the signs and accepting that the abuse is taking place. Next, the victim must also seek professional and medical help apart from other ways to understand How to Stop Violence at Home.

How to save a marriage from abuse
Domestic violence can be shattering and is certainly not easy as the marriage goes through several ups and downs. Apart from other ways, domestic violence counseling and professional help can immediately pave the way. Explore this article on abusive marriage help and discover How to Save a Marriage From Abuse.

How to prevent & stop abuse from an intimate partner
It is important to seek professional help and get the support of communities dedicated to provide support to survivors and lessen harm. You must also create a safe distance and protect yourself from the abuser to convey your stand on the situation to Prevent & Stop Abuse From an Intimate Partner.

Where can I get help for domestic violence? (Helpline, support, and counseling)

Victims and survivors can get help via helplines to begin with and then move towards online and offline support groups and communities for continued assistance. To learn how to cope with domestic violence and its consequences, victims can also get in touch with therapists who can counsel them, and in some cases, their partners to ensure that the cycle of violence is broken and a relationship salvaged if it’s safe enough to do so.

Domestic violence helpline
Helplines and support groups offer a free platform where professionals and survivors can offer confidential support anytime to save victims of spousal abuse. Here’s a list of common domestic violence helplines and support groups to contact in case of emergency:
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Hope Recovery – For ongoing support groups & workshops
Fort Refuge – Abuse survivors community for ongoing support
DomesticShelters.org – Social media victims and survivors community
Love Is Respect – 1.866.331.9474 (for young adults/teens)

Find a therapist
Help is available. Reach out to communities, crisis centers, and domestic violence shelters to seek help and learn how to stop domestic violence in your relationship. You can also get in touch with verified and trusted marriage counselors to seek advice on the issue.
Do you wish to opt for divorce after domestic violence? Are you planning to stay together after domestic violence and work out with the abusive wife or husband? Do you seek reconciliation after domestic violence?

Find a Therapist here to guide you through the process.

Top Resources

5 Facts About Physical Abuse in a Relationship
6 Reasons of Spousal Abuse In A Marriage
Best Ways to Protect Yourself From an Abusive Partner
And the Abuse Goes On: Co-Parenting With Your Abuser
How to Deal With an Abusive Husband?
6 Effects of Spousal Emotional Abuse in a Marriage
8 Signs for Recognizing Emotional Abuse
10 Signs of an Abusive Wife and How to Deal with It
Solutions To Domestic Violence
Child Custody And Leaving An Abusive Relationship
Why Do People Stay in Emotionally Abusive Relationships
How to Handle Emotional Blackmail in a Relationship

Quotes

QuoteIconWalking away from something unhealthy is brave even if you stumble a little on your way out the door.”
QuoteIconYou are not the darkness you endured. You are the light that refused to surrender.”
More Quotes

Popular Quizzes

Abusive Relationship
Are You in an Abusive Relationship?

10 Questions
In a relationship, you have to share the bed, the bathroom, live in the same house, and sometimes share the same car as well. But does a relationship mean just this much? Isn’t a relationship…
Violence Danger Assessment
Domestic Violence Danger Assessment Quiz

10 Questions
Domestic violence is a serious matter that needs to be addressed more often. That’s because most victims avoid coming forward and it could be for several reasons, like the fear for their …
Emotional Abuse
Do I Have PTSD From Emotional Abuse Quiz?

10 Questions
Emotional and psychological stress and trauma might be harder to see than physical signs of abuse, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t damaging. You might feel like your mind is flooded with…
All Quizzes
Popular Categories
Counseling Save Your Marriage Divorce Infidelity Therapy Forgiveness Separation Mental Health

Recent Articles

10 Key Steps to Making a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence

10 Key Steps to Making a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence

Leaving an abusive partner takes monumental courage. Not only can it trigger an unparalleled retaliation, but it can also cause …
Anne Duvaux

By Anne Duvaux

Coach| 8  min read

6 Reasons You Need Therapy for Verbal Abuse & How It Can Help

6 Reasons You Need Therapy for Verbal Abuse & How It Can Help

Stats reveal that one in three individuals reports experiencing verbal abuse from a partner, highlighting a pervasive yet often silent …
Noah Williams

By Noah Williams

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 6  min read

How to Provide Help for Abusive Partners: 7 Tips

How to Provide Help for Abusive Partners: 7 Tips

What do you do when you discover a friend might be the source of abuse in their relationship? How can …
Kaida Hollister

By Kaida Hollister

Marital reconciliation, Family therapy| 6  min read

Flirting vs. Sexual Harassment: 5 Key Differences & Ways to Deal

Flirting vs. Sexual Harassment: 5 Key Differences & Ways to Deal

In a world where social interactions are often a delicate dance, it’s essential to understand the difference between flirting and …
Sylvia Smith

By Sylvia Smith

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 8  min read

Intimate Abuse Patterns: Causes, Impact and Prevention

Intimate Abuse Patterns: Causes, Impact and Prevention

A healthy relationship is often characterized by several features like trust, support, honesty, empathy, intimacy, affection, and effective communication. However, …
Draven Porter

By Draven Porter

Marriage & Family Life Advice| 7  min read

7 Signs of Verbally Abusive Parents and How to Cope With Them

7 Signs of Verbally Abusive Parents and How to Cope With Them

Verbal abuse is a painful and damaging form of mistreatment that can leave lasting scars, especially when it comes from …
Dylan Banks

By Dylan Banks

Marriage Counseling & Divorce| 8  min read

Understanding Self-Defense and Domestic Violence Charges

Understanding Self-Defense and Domestic Violence Charges

Domestic violence is a distressing and pervasive issue that affects millions of people around the world. Often trapped in an …
Sharon Feldman

By Sharon Feldman

9  min read

Is It Normal for My Girlfriend to Hit Me?

Is It Normal for My Girlfriend to Hit Me?

Relationships experience ups and downs, and it is essential for partners to work collaboratively toward resolving their issues. Concerning relationship …
Sylvia Smith

By Sylvia Smith

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 7  min read

7 Signs of an Abusive Marriage and Steps to Safety

7 Signs of an Abusive Marriage and Steps to Safety

In the world of relationships, things aren’t always what they seem. Take James and Olivia, for example. They appear happy …
Dylan Banks

By Dylan Banks

Marriage Counseling & Divorce| 7  min read

What Is Domestic Violence Isolation? Signs & Effects

What Is Domestic Violence Isolation? Signs & Effects

Domestic violence is abuse that has profound implications affecting the physical and mental state of the abused. Its primary goals …
Rachael Pace

Approved By Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz

Licensed Clinical Social Worker| 7  min read

7 Adverse Effects of Domestic Violence on Mental Health

7 Adverse Effects of Domestic Violence on Mental Health

Domestic violence is a distressing and pervasive issue that affects countless individuals and families worldwide. This abusive behavior, occurring within …
Sylvia Smith

By Sylvia Smith

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 7  min read

What Is Silent Treatment in Relationships? Effects & Solutions

What Is Silent Treatment in Relationships? Effects & Solutions

Picture this: your partner stops speaking to you after an argument, refusing to explain what went wrong or even acknowledge …
Noah Williams

Approved By Grady Shumway

Licensed Mental Health Counselor| 14  min read

Emotional Abuse Checklist: 14 Red Flags to Be Wary Of

Emotional Abuse Checklist: 14 Red Flags to Be Wary Of

When people hear the word abuse, they likely think of it as physical violence or attacks. However, abuse can also …
Noah Williams

Approved By Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz

Licensed Clinical Social Worker| 7  min read

How to Help Victims of Domestic Violence: 10 Effective Ways

How to Help Victims of Domestic Violence: 10 Effective Ways

Knowing how to help victims of domestic violence can be stressful and confusing. You may not want to overstep your …
Noah Williams

By Noah Williams

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 7  min read

Male Domestic Violence in Marriage: Men Can Be Victims Too

Male Domestic Violence in Marriage: Men Can Be Victims Too

As much as this may not be the most popular conversation, male domestic violence in marriage is a lot more …
Marriage.com Editorial Team

By Marriage.com Editorial Team

Relationship & Marriage Advice| 12  min read

1 2 3 … 7
Mcom footer logo
Trending
  • What To Do When You Feel No Emotional Connection With Your Husband
  • 26 Signs He Has Strong Feelings For You
  • 200+ Playful Truth or Dare Questions for Couples
  • Treading Carefully: Getting Back Together After Separation
  • More
  • 15 Signs You Have an Unexplainable Connection With Someone
  • 6 Ways to Tell if Someone is Lying About Cheating
  • How to Handle Psychological Effects of False Accusations in a Relationship
  • Twin Flame Telepathy: The Symptoms, Techniques and More
  • 15 Ways on How to Build Trust in a Relationship
  • 15 Best Ways to Emotionally Detach From a Narcissist
  • 100 Sexy Texts for Her to Drive Her Wild
  • What Is Emotional Abandonment in Marriage?
  • Less
Resources
  • Find a Therapist
  • Marriage Advice
  • Marriage Quizzes
  • Marriage Quotes
  • Videos
  • Visual Stories
Courses
  • Marriage Course
  • Save My Marriage Course
  • Pre Marriage Course
  • All Courses
For Therapists
  • Get Listed
  • Write for Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Enter Your Email.
  • About
  • Privacy
  • Review Board
  • Editorial Process
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility
  • Member - SHE Media Collective
  • Ad privacy | Your Privacy Choices
  • Facebook
  • twitter iconTwitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pintrest
  • Sitemap
  • |
  • © Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.