Hi guys, I need to vent about something that happened today. My sister has been a domestic violence victim for 19 years, mainly emotional abuse. We’ve always told her to leave her husband and get help, but she never wanted to until today. Finally, she called the cops during a heated argument, and I was home with my son when it happened. I told her I was proud of her for reaching out for help. But when the cops arrived, they didn’t take her seriously. She told them she didn’t feel safe and mentioned the emotional abuse, but they said there wasn’t much they could do since it wasn’t physical. I was honestly shocked because I thought a TRO could be issued just from asking for help. They said it only applies to physical abuse, which didn’t make sense to me. I reminded them that we’ve called about their fights before, and they said if my sister was ready to admit it, then they could do something. But when they talked to her, she said everything was fine. Now I’m just in disbelief that she has to be in a physically abusive situation for them to take action. They even asked how the kids reacted to the fights, and she said they were distracted playing games. My son was in the room with me when it all started, and I was worried about him seeing it. I was thinking about getting a restraining order against her husband, but then the cop mentioned that if I put my son in the report, child services might get involved and take him away. I couldn’t believe it, especially since they said my sister’s kids wouldn’t be taken away because they were just distracted. Is this really how it works? I’m just confused and upset about the whole situation.
That’s so frustrating… I can’t believe the cops didn’t do more. It’s like they don’t care unless someone gets hurt.
Taryn said:
That’s so frustrating… I can’t believe the cops didn’t do more. It’s like they don’t care unless someone gets hurt.
Right? It feels so unfair. Like, emotional abuse is still abuse. I don’t get why it doesn’t count.
@Grayer
Exactly! And the kids shouldn’t have to witness any of it. It’s all just messed up.
I think you’re right to consider a restraining order. Better safe than sorry, especially for your son.
Bailey said:
I think you’re right to consider a restraining order. Better safe than sorry, especially for your son.
Thanks for your support. I just want to protect him from all this.
Ugh, I hate when cops dismiss emotional abuse. It’s like they don’t see the full picture.
Ollie said:
Ugh, I hate when cops dismiss emotional abuse. It’s like they don’t see the full picture.
Totally! Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical. It should be taken seriously.
@Elianna
Exactly! And it’s scary for the kids to be around that kind of environment.
Have you thought about talking to a domestic violence hotline? They might have advice on what to do next.
Cruz said:
Have you thought about talking to a domestic violence hotline? They might have advice on what to do next.
I haven’t yet, but that’s a good idea. I’ll look into it. Thanks!
I really hope your sister can find the strength to leave. It’s tough, but she deserves better.
Frost said:
I really hope your sister can find the strength to leave. It’s tough, but she deserves better.
Thanks, I hope so too. I just want her to be safe and happy.