The #MeToo movement has brought the issue of sexual abuse and sexual assault out of hiding and into the public view. In the past, victims of sexual abuse or assault often felt silenced and ashamed and, as a result, the crimes went unreported or uncharged by authorities. Victims often were made to feel responsible for what had been done to them. Now, with the support of an army of other survivors who have also responded to #MeToo on social media, victims have the strength to report the crime that was committed against them. But what if your abuser lives with you? And what if after you report the crime, you will be returning to live with that person since you do not have any of your own financial resources? How do you stop abuse in this circumstance? These are exactly the types of questions faced by victims of domestic abuse. Luckily, the law is catching up to protect and assist such victims.

Physical abuse, although perhaps the most visible and most often discussed, is not the only form of domestic violence. In fact, many domestic abuse victims do not show any outward signs of the trauma they suffer at home. Often, victims are abused emotionally or psychologically by their partners. Other times, victims are sexually assaulted by their partners. Others are financially abused and, therefore, feel trapped in their situation since they may not have any outside support. Many victims of domestic violence suffer from various types of these abuses simultaneously. Combined with the fact that shame and embarrassment may cause the victims to withdraw from family and friends and to keep the abuse hidden, it is no wonder that victims of domestic violence often feel alone and unaware of their legal options.

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