In most cases, infidelity is considered a form of domestic abuse. An unfaithful husband, especially if he has the tendency to be aggressive, does not care who he hurts. Generally, his wife becomes as vulnerable and frail as a victim of physical abuse.
A cheating husband may scoff at the idea that he is abusing his wife. After all, he only had an affair (or two) and doesn’t strike her or otherwise lay a hand on her. Yet, he has diminished her self-esteem and self-worth through his behavioral pattern of ongoing infidelity. As a result, the wife becomes as emotionally vulnerable as an abuse victim.
Infidelity Is A Type Of Domestic Abuse
Infidelity is a form of domestic abuse because it can be as demoralizing and damaging as a physical attack. Committing adultery or cheating on one’s spouse has long-term consequences. The spouse comes to feel humiliated, hurt, vulnerable, and helpless. Infidelity and adultery are not only devastating for the spouse, but for the children as well.
According to Tad Nelson & Associates, a family law firm based in Houston, abuse can be both physical and emotional. Women who go through divorce because of their husband’s extra-marital affairs usually develop characteristics which are observed in domestic abuse victims:
- There is a recurring cycle wherein the cheating husband is repentant and the marriage is working well, but then the husband cheats again.
- The husband may feel guilty or remorseful about the affair, but he is still insensitive to the pain he inflicted on his wife. He fails to accept responsibility for his actions.
- The wife suffers from low self-esteem. She feels worthless, helpless, and becomes completely dependent on her husband.
- She suffers from anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
- The wife blames herself for her husband’s actions. Women who stay with their cheating husband usually display the same emotional and social warning signs manifested by the victims of systematic abuse.
He Cheated. Now What?
Seek Legal Advice: If you suspect that your husband is cheating, you should seek a credible and experienced adultery lawyer in Houston. You should consult your attorney regarding the best course of action to deal with the situation. For instance, if you are afraid of confronting your husband, you can ask the attorney if you can file a restraining order. You should also ask your attorney what your rights are as a domestic abuse victim and what you can do to ensure the custody of your children.
Gather Evidence: You need to make sure that infidelity is the problem in your marriage. You should first get solid proof before deciding to leave your husband; however, if you and your children are being abused- physically or verbally, it is best to pack up and leave.
Confront Your Husband: If there is no danger of physical abuse, you should confront your husband. Let him know that you know about his affair, and allow him to explain his side of the story. Doing so will also help you come to terms with what happened and it can pave the way for reconciliation.
Build A Support Team: You don’t have to go through all these alone. Be with people who truly care about you and those who have your best interest at heart.
If you have recently uncovered your husband’s extra-marital affair, you probably feel shocked, helpless, and emotionally drained. The simple tips listed above will help you handle this revelation and avoid a mental breakdown.
Michael Busby Jr.
6100 Corporate Dr Ste 190
Houston, Texas 77036
(713) 974-1151
281-DIVORCE
Visit me on the web at www.busby-lee.com
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