How Does a Victim of Spousal Abuse Get Help?

The Victims

Victims of spousal abuse stay with their abuser for a variety of reasons. Some stay for the kids, some because of financial deprivation, and others because their road to freedom has been blocked by fear. So for a victim of spousal abuse to seek help from her abuser, she has to be assured she will get physical protection, financial resources, empathy and support.
Most abusers have brainwashed their victims into believing that this kind of help does not exist. But much like everything else that an abuser has told his victims, it's a lie.

There are hundreds of intervention groups that provide emotional support and other services to victims of physical, sexual and verbal abuse.
One of the first things a victim of spousal abuse needs to understand is that he is not alone. Most support services have been founded by survivors.
Victims of domestic violence were not born that way. They have been created because a lot of victims believe they are responsible--or at the least, they believe the people around them will believe they are at fault. So they are full of shame, and low on self-esteem and trust.
For immediate assistance, or to find out if you or someone you know is a victim of spousal abuse, men and women can call 888-743- 5754 (888-7helpline). That is the Domestic Abuse Hotline for men and women. Female victims can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224.
Some advocacy groups do not suggest seeking online help unless victims can ensure their abusers cannot trace their Internet searches.

Spousal abuse is not gender specific, although research has shown that at least one of every three women has been a victim of physical, sexual or emotional abuse at some point. And over half the time, the abuse is at the hand of a spouse, former spouse, boyfriend or cohabiting partner.
No race is exempt. Physical, sexual and emotional abuse are all color-blind. Abuse of any nature is a crime, and for each kind of abuse there is also a form of help.
Victims may believe that they can change their abuser, and they may love their abuser. But it's time for them to learn to love themselves more and seek the help they desperately need.