Emotional abuse/Financial abuse/Domestic violence

Often, the law does not address how a person can treat another person, unless it deals with harassing, stalking or threatening behaviors. So, in other words, there isn’t necessarily a way to “report” emotional abuse to the authorities. However, just because there may not be a law to say that a person cannot emotionally abuse another person, put the person down, or make him/her feel bad about himself/herself, it doesn’t mean that the behavior is right or that anyone has to put up with that behavior. Here is the specific information on the definition of domestic violence in STATE for the purpose of getting a civil protection order in case you want to see whether what you went through may come under the definition of domestic violence. [HYPERLINK to “What is the legal definition of abuse?”]

A person in an abusive relationship may also reach out to a local domestic violence organization for support and assistance. Most workers at these organizations realize that mental, emotional, and economic abuse can be just as devastating as physical violence, so they can be good people to talk to when a person just needs support. Sometimes advocates can refer a person to lawyers or help a person through the legal process themselves. If you decide to get help to leave the relationship, an advocate may be able to help you figure out a plan. Here is our list of local domestic violence organizations in your state or you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to find the organization nearest you. [HYPERLINK]