Physical abuse has long been a common ground for divorce in Wisconsin and can be grounds for divorce in other states.
However, recent cases in the state have shown physical abuse to be an even more common reason for divorce. This has increased the concern of some that instances of abuse are on the rise, though there is no definitive proof of this.
A study published by Northwestern University found that 32% of women who separated from their partners said they had experienced physical violence with their spouses. The study also found that women who either experience or witness partner violence are at a higher risk for mental health issues as well as substance use disorders than those who do not experience or witness it. If you or anyone you know is a victim of physical abuse, you better find a lawyer by searching for a “divorce lawyer near me” on your device and seek the scope for filing a divorce.
How Does Physical Abuse Affect Marriage?
Research has shown that physical abuse and violence within a marriage can be one of the leading reasons why marriages end in divorce.
According to a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology, the presence of psychological aggression within a marriage is a leading predictor of divorce, even more so than physical abuse.
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that “approximately half of all married couples experience some form of spousal violence during their marriage.” The APA also found that women who had suffered intimate partner violence in the past year were at an increased risk for developing depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychological problems.
The number of divorces due to physical abuse is on the rise. This increase in divorce due to physical abuse can be partially explained by a shift in societal views on the divorce itself. As more and more people are choosing to marry later on in life and live together before getting married, marriage is losing some of its stigmas as a failure.
As such, there is less shame in dealing with it when things do go wrong within a marriage.
Another reason behind this trend could be that victims are becoming more willing to report incidences of domestic violence. This may be because of a greater understanding of the effects of domestic violence on victims and their families.
