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- Victims of domestic violence can feel trapped, afraid to seek help - June 3, 2025
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By LegalMatters Staff • Disagreements are bound to occur in any relationship but when problems become more frequent and there are signs that they are forming a pattern, it may be indicative of a serious problem, says Edmonton family lawyer Hailee F. Barber.
At the beginning of a new relationship, things may be fine and there is no reason to suspect your partner will turn abusive, Barber says. Indeed, domestic abuse advocates say signs of abuse don’t always appear overnight, she adds.
The United Nations states that domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV), “can be defined as a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.”
“Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviours that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone,” according to the UN states. “Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.”
Victims of domestic violence can feel trapped and alone, afraid to seek the help that they need says Barber. To read more, click here.
