Some Wisconsin residents might not be certain what specific acts qualify as domestic violence. Above all, it is important to remember that domestic violence encapsulates more than just physical violence and is not exclusive to spouses or romantic partners. Domestic violence may and oftentimes does include children, parents, siblings and even roommates.

In many instances, both the victims and the perpetrators of domestic violence may not recognize it for what it is. Domestic violence can be emotional abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse or even economic abuse, in which the victim’s access to funds is manipulated by the perpetrator.

Psychological abuse is another form of domestic violence in which an individual incites fear in another person, typically with threats, isolation and intimidation. Stalking and cyberstalking are also behaviors consistent with someone prone to committing domestic violence.

Furthermore, domestic violence may become an issue in a divorce case, affecting the final resolution of matters such as child custody. Spouses seeking divorce who have been a victim of domestic violence might wish to take additional step to protect themselves. They may wish to limit contact with their abusive spouse as well as limiting the contact that spouse has with their children. If the other spouse has injured the family pets, destroyed some of the family’s belongings and threatened the rest of the family, those actions might be considered domestic violence and reported to authorities accordingly. Abused individuals can obtain restraining orders as a means of protection against their abuser. In any case, it is important for victims of domestic abuse to seek out the counsel of an attorney, who may help ensure the victim’s rights remain intact and advise additional measures for safety.

Source: Findlaw, “What is Domestic Violence?“, November 19, 2014