Spousal abuse is defined as a form of domestic violence where sexual, verbal or physical abuse is perpetuated by one spouse onto another. The term spousal abuse was first used in the late 1970’s when these types of crimes were given the attention in society they deserved.

   Most reported cases of spousal abuse are violence by men against women. There are a growing number of cases with violence by women against men, violence by same-sex partners or violence by both people against each other. Sadly, men tend not to report abuse because of the stigma attached and because the courts diminish its impact.

   Studies have shown that violence by men against women does much more damage. Women are much more likely to be hospitalized and much more likely to be killed by raging boyfriends and husbands.

   Abuse continues to rise. More and more organizations are formed to prevent abuse and laws continue to stiffen against these acts of cruelty. This hasn’t stopped the abuser, who batters to control and intimidate, rather than just injure.

   The abuser expects and hopes that we will turn a blind eye to his actions, ignoring their rampages. Ignorance gives the abuser strength, confidence in their actions causing them to continue, gaining speed until totally out of control. Many times abuse starts slow with small actions and when the abuser is allowed to get away with the action they increase the level of abuse, convinced their actions are hidden.

   We all need to become involved, don’t ignore what our eyes see and our minds tell us and be someone’s hero.

by
Brian R. Smith
Author of, Losing Innocence
ISBN: 1-4241-0038-0
http://www.brianrsmith.net