Spousal abuse is a type of domestic violence and a form of abusive behavior which occurs between partners in an intimate relationship, such as marriage. Acts of spousal abuse include physical violence such as assault, threats and attempts of intimidation, controlling / possessive behavior, and emotional, sexual and economic abuse.
Generally, the term spousal abuse is used to refer the acts of abuse against women, although men are also often victimized. However, the cases where men are abused are generally ignored or unnoticed by the public. Therefore, the services and resources for male victims are limited compared to their female counterparts; even the sources of help and guidance offered on the Internet are mainly intended for female victims. Moreover, many male victims tend not to report the acts of abuse or even the identity of the assailant due to the fear of being ridiculed in the eyes of the society.
Certain factors contribute to the occurrence of spousal abuse, while alcohol consumption and mental illness being often considered as leading factors. Issues, such as unemployment and poverty can lead to acts of domestic abuse. It is noted that women in lower-class social backgrounds are more prone to spousal abuse than their middle and upper class equivalents. Furthermore, when the male partner is unemployed the violence may reach higher levels. Often if the female partner has a higher level of education or a better job, acts of violence may increase as the male partner tends to be jealous of the other. The male tries to see spousal abuse as a method to control the female partner as he is unable to control her through financially.
Furthermore, ones mental and personal background such as past experiences would also lead to abusive behavior. Normally, abusers come from homes that with a history of spousal abuse. Many male abusers would have witnessed their father assaulting the mother. In addition, it is stated that a significant number of abuse victims are from families with a history of physical abuse. These childhood experiences would distort ones perception of a relatively normal relationship and this might explain the victims reluctance to leave an abusive relationship.
Certain number of legal remedies exists for spousal abuse victims, while the most power being the temporary restraining order (TRO). Under this, the abuser is forbidden any connection with the victim or the family. Furthermore, this also prohibits the abuser from obtaining any firearms.
It is imperative that one educates oneself about this issue. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon against spousal abuse.