Arkansas Resources for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Meaghan Kleine Blog

Over the past few weeks, intimate partner violence headlines have run rapidly among individuals in the public eye. Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei lost her life after being violently burned on 80% of her body by her significant other.

Ms. Cheptegei isn’t the only one – Kristina Joksimovic, a Miss Switzerland finalist, was brutally murdered and put in a blender by her husband. All of these tragic stories have been featured in the news recently, but these headlines don’t even consider the “non-famous” people who have been killed by intimate partner violence.

These horrific acts of intimate partner violence happen to approximately 16 million women and 11 million men. While not all acts end in death, intimate partner violence leaves mental scars and emotional trauma. Given these recent events, today we’ll cover acts of violence and legal options for abuse survivors.

 

What Is Intimate Partner Abuse?

Intimate partner abuse is similar to domestic violence, however, domestic violence refers to partners, children, and other immediate family members. On the other hand, intimate partner abuse indicates violence between romantic partners.

 

 

Here are some examples of intimate partner abuse:

  • Financial — One partner controls access to finances and uses their contribution to control their partner
  • Physical — An individual uses physical force to hurt and control their romantic partner
  • Psychological — Mental and emotional harm of another by using words and silent actions
  • Sexual — Forcing sexual acts against another without consent
  • Stalking — Consistent following and inciting fear

If you have experienced any of these with your current or ex-spouse, you need to contact a lawyer independently. If your partner is made aware of your contact with an attorney, the abuse may ramp up and risk the chance to leave the relationship safely.

 

Snapped: A Man’s Perspective

We have focused on women who have experienced domestic violence, but men can experience intimate partner violence as well. In fact, there’s a true crime show (Snapped) that has been running for 20 years and focuses on women who have killed.

Unfortunately, men are hesitant to report violence. While 11 million men report experiencing acts of intimate partner abuse, only 3% of violent crimes are reported to authorities. Don’t wait until you are posthumously featured in an episode of Snapped — keep detailed accounts of intimate partner abuse and contact an attorney to find out your legal options.

 

 

Resources For Arkansas Residents

 

Suffering intimate partner violence, but not sure what to do? Here are some excellent resources for Arkansans residents to explore:

 

If you share property, material belongings, or other financial obligations in your romantic relationship, you will want an attorney to help obtain your belongings. In cases of intimate partner abuse, your ex-spouse may use these financial obligations against you to maintain power and control.

 

Let Hickey & Hull Help You Move On From An Abusive Spouse

Please, don’t let yourself become a headline. You can receive help before tragedy strikes — but you need to strike quietly and fast to get out safely. 

The legal team at Hickey & Hull is dedicated to helping abused clients remove themselves from deadly situations. Whether you need help splitting finances, dividing property, or securing a restraining order, our paralegals and attorneys will walk you through every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Contact one of our multiple Arkansas law offices via email, online chat, or phone. We’re here to help you find a new lease on life, without fear.