Thousands of Ohio residents victimized by domestic violence

It is not easy to escape an abusive relationship, but resources are available to make it possible. These include help from domestic violence centers.

Countless people across the country are victimized in domestic violence disputes every year, including in Ohio. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 10 million people in the United States are physically abused by their partners each year. Violence against intimate partners make up about 15 percent of all violent crimes. The problem is especially tragic when it pertains to children. One out of every 15 children in the country is exposed to domestic violence.

The statistics in Ohio paint a disturbing picture of how prevalent family abuse is in the state. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network reported 39,889 domestic violence arrests in 2013. There were also 38 fatalities related to domestic violence and 17,912 new filings for protection orders in Ohio that year.

The insidious signs of domestic abuse

Abusive partners rarely start off hurting their victims. On the other hand, they may appear charming early on, often accelerating the relationship to gain control quickly. The abuse usually increases over time, gradually changing from belittling and insulting the victim to exert control, to making threats of violence, destroying personal property and physically harming the victim. Abusers are known to use intimidation and force to maintain power over their victims' lives. They often restrict their partners from access to money, communication, transportation and seeing their own family and friends.

A protective order is a vital step in making an escape plan

It may not be easy to escape an abuser. However, it is important for victims to know the resources available to them, especially when it comes to protecting the children. A protective order is a document that legally protects victims from their tormentors, states The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Protective orders prohibit abusers from contacting or going near the residences, workplaces and schools of their victims.

There are other measures that victims should take into consideration before obtaining a protective order. These include:

• Keeping a journal of violent attacks, including descriptions of the attacks and physical proof, such as photographs of injuries and medical records
• Confiding in a trusted family member or friend and making an escape plan
• Setting aside emergency money, clothing, important documents and other belongings in a place the abuser does not know about
• Contacting a shelter for abuse victims or law enforcement to obtain more tools and advice

When an escape is imminent, obtaining a protective order may allow victims a chance to gather what they need to make a permanent escape, and can also give them a sense of empowerment and hope after enduring years of abuse.

If you are making plans to leave an abusive relationship, you have allies who will do what they can to help. These include law enforcement agencies and domestic violence counselors, as well as a family law attorney with experience in domestic violence cases.