YUMA, Arizona. According to LiveStrong , emotional abuse, like physical abuse, can have emotional and physical consequences in the life of a victim. The decision to leave an emotionally or verbally abusive spouse can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever make. However, in time, the pain will fade and be replaced with a feeling of empowerment and strength. When leaving an abusive partner, it is important to stand beside your decision (even though you may doubt yourself), remove yourself from the house or situation where you’ll be in contact with your ex, and take steps to protect yourself financially and emotionally. LiveStrong recommends dividing financial accounts as soon as possible, and contacting a qualified divorce lawyer in Yuma, Arizona like Schneider & Onofry, P.C.

While victims of physical violence often have photographs of bruises and records of 911 calls, emotional abuse survivors often only have their own stories as evidence. According to Domestic Shelters , victims of verbal abuse should seek counseling or therapy. After you have established trust with these professionals, you can ask them if they would be willing to testify on your behalf in court. In some cases, you can also ask family and friends to testify if they have witnessed your partner verbally abusing you.

Abusers may also use the children to try to maintain control over their ex. They may use a custody battle to try to hurt their ex through the children. When entering a divorce involving verbal abuse, it is important to be realistic about what the likely outcomes will be. In some cases, an ex who is emotionally abusive to a spouse won’t be emotionally abusive to the children. However, if you genuinely feel that your children will be harmed if they spend time with your ex, the burden of proof to get sole custody or supervised visitation will be very high. Reach out to a divorce lawyer like Schneider & Onofry, P.C. in Yuma, Arizona to learn more about your options. Our firm can review police records, orders of protections, and other evidence to help you build the best case to protect your children and reach a custody decision that will be in the best interests of your children.

Emotional abuse can be more subtle than physical abuse and it can be far more damaging. Whereas physical violence is overt and the victim is aware that something is wrong, the victims of emotional abuse can internalize the things said to them. They may come to believe that they are incompetent, that they are unable to handle the basic tasks of living.

If you have been verbally, emotionally, or physically abused, seek help and leave the relationship. You can heal, you can rebuild your life, and you can move forward. Contact a divorce lawyer today. If you do not feel save, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Schneider & Onofry, P.C.

207 W. 2nd St. Yuma, AZ 85364

928-257-4887