Let us say that you and your spouse have not been getting along for a while. There are constant arguments and fights, with yelling and screaming and slamming doors. All of the conflict and strife is beginning to wear on your nerves and you might begin to wonder how to know if your relationship problems have crossed the line and become abusive.

The fact that you are not being hurt physically by a domestic or intimate relationship partner, does not mean that you are not being abused. There are other ways aside from using actual physical violence to control another person. An abuser might scare you with threats of violence or attempt to isolate you from friends and loved ones in an attempt to exert power over you. According to the Office of Women’s Health, there are signs of emotional abuse that may include the following:

• Monitors what you are doing
• Unfairly accuses you of being unfaithful all of the time
• Prevents or discourages you from spending time with friends or family
• Tries to stop you from going to work or school

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers verbal and emotional abuse as domestic violence. Anytime someone with whom you have an intimate relationship tries to control you, isolate you, or make you fearful it can cause undue stress, which can affect your overall health and may eventually lead to actual physical abuse.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a report called “Intimate Partner Violence Surveillance Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements.” The report defines intimate partner violence (IPV) as a significant public health problem. The most recent data, which comes from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) says that more than 10 million women and men in the United States experience physical violence each year by a current or former intimate partner. Given the fact that emotional abuse often leads to physical abuse, these numbers are quite alarming. What is even more disturbing is the knowledge that these crimes are highly under-reported.

Regardless of what the numbers say, if you believe that what you are dealing with can be described as domestic violence, there are resources available to help you right now. The state of Tennessee has a Violence Against Women Resource Center, which is a database of resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is celebrating 20 years of 24/7 advocacy for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Your local Nashville family law attorney at Miller Upshaw Family Law, PLLC can help you to secure an Order of Protection, which will keep your abuser at a safe distance from you until a court hearing can be scheduled. If you feel like you might be in immediate danger of physical harm, you can contact the Nashville Police Department’s Domestic Violence Division.

We invite you to speak with our Nashville divorce attorneys to discuss your needs confidentially in a safe and secure setting. Please contact the compassionate legal team at Miller Upshaw Family Law, PLLC at 615-391-4200 to learn more about our divorce and family law services.