Rehabilitation of Wives Suffering from Domestic Abuse

It is quite unfortunate that in this day and age, there are still victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence can take two forms:

-          Physical abuse.

-          Verbal abuse.

While physical abuse can be seen, verbal abuse is hidden. Wives who are verbally abused by their husbands suffer more than women who are physically abused. Hence, if you know someone who is being physically or verbally abused in their homes, you can assist them.

-          Listen to their stories and try to validate their emotions. One of the reasons why most of the domestically abused women suffer in silence is because their friends are well-known to their husbands and can’t just believe that they are capable of such acts. But the most important thing that you can do is to listen to her and believe her story.

-          Note that a domestically abused woman may not view herself as a victim of domestic abuse. Hence, it is upon you to inform her that any form of abuse is not right. Be courageous enough to state the behavior by its name without resorting to verbally abusing her attacker.

-          Commend her for her courage and valor. It is not every day that you see a victim of domestic abuse coming out openly, and as such you need to laud her for it. But, you also need to remember that she may be feeling guilty for betraying her husband. Hence, you need to assist her in comprehending that she is doing the correct thing for her family’s sake.

-          Try and evaluate her safety by taking time to ask her a couple of questions regarding what is taking place in her house and the nature of the abuse. Try to make her describe the behavior of her husband in different circumstances.

-          Be compassionate. However, do not start telling her what she needs to do. Instead, provide her with alternatives which will assist her in making the right decision. Do not be the one that forces her to leave the house. Provide her with a crisis hotline number or make for her alternative arrangements should she decide to leave her house. The decision to leave should be hers as it makes her feel accountable for her decisions. Nevertheless, if you strongly feel that her life could be in danger by continuing to stay in the same house, take immediate action to get her to safety.

Questions to ask

The following are some of the questions you need to ask:

-          When you start arguing with your husband, what usually occurs?

-          Do you fee scared of your husband?

-          Do you feel like you can speak freely with your husband?

-          How does your husband react when you express a view that is diverse from his?

-          Does your husband pressurize you into having sexual intercourse even though you do not feel like?

-          What is your husband’s reaction whenever you are out with colleagues, friends or family members?

-          Has he ever slapped or pushed you during an argument?