“Keep It in the Family” Can Be Dangerous: Why Silence Protects Abuse, Not Victims

For generations, families have repeated the same phrases: “Don’t make a fuss.” “Keep it in the family.” “Think of the children.” “Don’t tell anyone.” “You’ll ruin the family.” “Just keep the peace.” On the surface, these words may sound like they are protecting the family. Too often, they are protecting the abuse. Silence Gives Abuse… Read More “Keep It in the Family” Can Be Dangerous: Why Silence Protects Abuse, Not Victims

Stop Calling Abuse “Irreconcilable Differences”

One of the most frustrating phrases survivors hear during divorce is: “The marriage has broken down due to irreconcilable differences.” Sometimes that is true. People do grow apart. They fall out of love. They want different futures. Those are genuine irreconcilable differences. But abuse is not one of them. When a relationship ends because one… Read More Stop Calling Abuse “Irreconcilable Differences”

Marriage Guidance Is Not a Treatment for Abuse

One of the most damaging myths surrounding domestic abuse is the belief that marriage counselling can fix it. It can’t. Healthy relationships experience disagreements, communication problems, financial pressures and periods of emotional distance. Marriage counselling can often help couples work through these issues because both partners are willing to listen, take responsibility and work together. Abuse is… Read More Marriage Guidance Is Not a Treatment for Abuse

Protection Continues

In Spain, police protection from the Guardia Civil or other police forces can continue after a divorce, but it does notautomatically continue simply because the divorce has been finalized. Instead, protection depends on the ongoing level of risk, not on whether you are still married. Factors that are considered include: Whether there have been previous incidents of domestic abuse or… Read More Protection Continues

What comes next

When a divorce involving domestic abuse is finalized, what happens depends on the laws of the country and the specific facts of the case. In general, several things often occur: The marriage legally ends. Financial matters, such as property division, pensions, maintenance, or spousal support, are finalized according to the court’s orders or an agreement.… Read More What comes next