Are You Living In a
Physically Abusive Relationship?

A physically abusive relationship might evolve out of any type of relationship. It can occur between husband and wife, sexual partners, parents and children, acquaintances and dating couples.

In a physically abusive relationship, either or both the parties may hit, slap, kick or use other methods of corporal violence. Among the examples of this type of abuse, the most common areas is spousal relationships.

Physical abuse might be so severe as to cause broken bones, marks, scars, and bruises on the victim or even death.

Physical abuse develops because of several factors. Drugs and alcohol and/or childhood history of abuse are major causes of physical abuse. Plus, some people are just aggressive by nature. They quite often adopt the method of physical abuse to terrorize their partners and family members.

Also, frustration and non-achievement on the part of a spouse may result in an abusive relationship.

In many societies, social and cultural factors are also responsible for physical abuse between husband and wife. Some parents believe that they can fully control their children through physical abuse. They abuse children physically to create a sense of fear psychosis among them. These parents foolishly think that by employing this method they can make their children behave in the desired manner.

Physically abusive relationships can have severe implications. Various studies suggest that in many cases physical abuse can lead to permanent disablement or severe damage to parts of the body, such as to the eye, ear, leg or hand. Severe physical abuse can even lead to the death of the victim.

Physical abuse also has a great impact on the mental health and wellness of the victim, and they might develop certain mental conditions. Studies reveal that constant physical abuse leads to depression, psychological dependency, fear, tension and hallucinations. It results in low-self esteem and low self-confidence in the victim.

If you are a victim of an abusive relationship, first you need try to stop your partner. You can directly ask him to stop the physical violence and maintain a good and happy family life. If your attempts fail, you must get out of the relationship fast.

There are several social rehabilitation centers that will help and support you in your efforts. They can help you by providing shelter, counseling, legal support and job placement.

You can call crisis centers or abuse hotlines and seek their help to get rid of the abusive relationship. You can receive lots of information and support from your neighborhood, religious leaders, teachers, school counselors, doctors and health professionals.

Alternatively, you can seek information about various options for getting out of a physically abusive relationship, and read success stories about the victims who have braved the situation and found ways of getting out like what can be found in the book Escaping the Shadow by Lisa J. Peck .