There is no one-size-fits-all formula for women to identify and escape abuse in Minnesota. Sometimes leaving or attempting to leave an abusive spouse is the tipping point that may turn them into murderers. Because of this, every person must evaluate their own situation, calculate the pros and cons and act accordingly at their own discretion.
That said, domestic abuse may creep up on some people. What was once an occasional foul temper or drinking habit soon escalates into drunk beatings. Because of this, it is important for people to first recognize the signs of abuse and decide how to escape before it gets worse.
Identifying domestic abuse
According to Business Insider, one in six men and one in four women suffer from domestic abuse. And, of the women who say they have never been abused, nearly two-thirds found themselves on the receiving end of toxic behavior. Here are some of the early red flags that may later grow into domestic abuse:
- Using aggressive actions or threats to intimidate them
- Pressuring them into performing sexual acts against their will
- Making nasty comments that affected the person’s self-esteem
- Attempting to prevent the victim from socializing with friends or family
- Turning up uninvited when the victim is enjoying a private moment with friends or family
How some women escape
CNN shared a collection of stories where women discussed how they escaped their abusers. One woman shared that she began to plan her escape months before she ever had the money to leave or a place to go. Her husband controlled all the finances in the household. A local domestic violence shelter eventually helped her to leave in 2010.
To find a local domestic violence program, call 1-800-799-SAFE. These shelters help to provide victims with the resources they need to get out of dangerous situations. It is also important for victims to gather all the important documents they will need to start over before they leave, such as driver’s license, SSN and birth certificate. If the risk of acquiring these are too great, then ask about replacement services wherever possible.
Each domestic abuse case is different. When there is a marriage and children involved, and when the abuser controls the finances, women and men may find it even more difficult to escape. By identifying the early signs and discreetly tapping into local resources, more victims may find a way out before it is too late.
