According to a new study, one in three women has experienced sexual or physical violence in their life, most likely from their intimate partner. Entering a relationship can often be a fun and rewarding experience for many but after time, signs of abuse may present themselves. Nearly 40 percent of all murdered women were killed by their intimate partner; a troubling percentage for Minnesota women.
In the United States, one out of four women has been assaulted by their intimate partner and at least 835,000 men have experienced domestic violence. Due to an impending divorce or a history of domestic abuse, many Minnesota residents are susceptible of becoming a victim of domestic assault. When early signs of abuse present themselves in a marriage or partnership, individuals are advised to seek help immediately.
In order to gain immediate help, a victim may request a protection order from a judge. By giving descriptive testimony or providing evidence to a judge, a domestic abuse victim may be granted a protection order for at least seven days without contact from their abusive spouse. Within these seven days, a hearing will take place where the accused may defend themselves. Depending what the judge rules, the protection order may continue.
Minnesota residents in need of immediate help from domestic abuse or those falsely accused of domestic violence may find an attorney to be helpful. In Minneapolis alone there were over 18,000 domestic abuse calls made to 911 in 2009. Domestic abuse is a problem that needs solving before extreme actions are taken.
Source: CNN, “WHO: 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence,” Madison Park, June 20, 2013