Reactive Abuse: A Legal Trap Set By Abusers
Emotional abuse is highly prominent among abusive relationships because it is meant to wear down the victim’s self-esteem, making them less likely to leave. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 95% of callers in 2020 reported experiencing emotional abuse, making this psychological turmoil prominent in many domestic disputes.
However, victims of emotional abuse can be legally responsible for their actions if they are involved in a physical altercation with their spouse. Let’s highlight “reactive abuse” and how it can impact court cases.
What Is Reactive Abuse?
Emotional abuse slowly degrades an individual’s self-worth with common phrases like “You’re overreacting,” and “You are being dramatic,” which causes the victim to question their own experience. This seems minor, but over long periods of time, the victim begins to feel frustrated and overwhelmed.
In the heat of the moment, the victim may reach their boiling point and react defensively to stop their partner, otherwise known as reactive abuse. This can be seriously problematic for the victim, because reactive abuse is not an excuse for domestic violence in the court of law.
Left Scared, Vulnerable, And Alone
Emotional abuse can be incredibly traumatic for victims, which is exactly what the abuser wants. They push as far as they can, until the victim eventually snaps in an instance of reactive abuse.
Now the abuser has the victim right where they want them — vulnerable. The victim may be too frightened to leave and the abuser will isolate them. Thus, the cycle of abuse will continue until the victim leaves or faces legal consequences for reactive abuse.
Gabby Petito’s Police Encounter Prior To Death
Shortly before Gabby Petito was murdered by her boyfriend, the police were called to break up a domestic fight between the couple. Her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, had taken her phone and attempted to drive away in their car, trying to leave Petito behind in Moab, Utah.
Being pushed to her breaking point, Petito hit Laundrie. So even though the 911 caller identified a male striking a woman in their report, since Petito indicated she hit Laundrie first, she was considered the aggressor. The two were separated for the night, with Laundrie staying in a hotel.
A few weeks later, Gabby Petito was strangled to death by Brian Laundrie.
Avoid The Legal Problems, Make A Plan To Leave
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, leaving the relationship can be deadly. When measuring homicide numbers, researchers found that 75% of partners were killed after splitting up. Triggering reactive abuse makes the victim more likely to stay enmeshed with their abuser, and in Gabby’s case, led to her murder.
If you are experiencing abuse, it’s time to make a well-thought out, safe strategy to leave. Don’t be intimidated by your abuser threatening to report your physical reaction, an experienced attorney will have your best interest in mind defending you in court.
Start making your plans to leave by first scheduling a consultation with a legal professional. Hickey & Hull Law Offices will advise you on how to proceed safely and legally, just contact us at (479) 434-2414 or chat with our online agent to schedule!