What to Do If You Suspect Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is defined as any type of aggressive or violent behavior that occurs within the home. This type of violence is most often instigated by a partner or spouse, and can include both physical and verbal abuse. In the state of Arizona, it is estimated that an individual dies every three days as a result of domestic violence, and many of these deaths are preventable—keep reading to find out the steps you can take to help neighbors, friends, and even family members if you suspect they may be the victim of domestic violence.
Take Notice of the Signs
In the vast majority of cases, domestic violence deaths do not occur without warning. There are often several warning signs noticeable to outsiders, including screaming, threatening comments, and even noticeable bruising or other injuries. The key to preventing serious injuries or deaths related to domestic violence is to take notice of these signs, rather than ignoring them or convincing yourself they are a normal part of a relationship or a marriage—while arguments are natural, violence and abuse are not.
Act on Your Instincts
Friends and neighbors of domestic violence victims often say they knew something was wrong, but never took action for fear of appearing controlling or nosy. However, it is this failure to act that so often results in the serious consequences of domestic violence and abuse. If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of abuse, don’t be afraid to speak up—if you feel comfortable confronting the individual, ask if they are all right and if they need help. Alternatively, you can call the police when fights occur or contact a local or national crisis hotline for advice on the steps to take if you aren’t comfortable approaching the situation directly.
If you need help handling domestic abuse, Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law can offer experienced legal counsel and support. Please call our Tucson law office today at (520) 247-1789, or visit our website to learn more about domestic violence and how it is handled in Arizona.