The fact that people who live in wealthy neighborhoods could be victims of domestic violence may surprise some Minnesota residents. However, a July murder-suicide involved victims who live in an affluent part of Springfield, Missouri. In that incident, police believe that a 66-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman were each found with a single gunshot wound. Authorities say that the two were in a romantic relationship and that the man fired the shots.
According to the director of the Harmony House, domestic violence occurs among all income levels. However, when such events occur among those who are in higher income brackets, people may have a harder time talking about it. This is because victims may be professionals who are scared that no one will believe them or that they will be scorned or embarrassed by coming forward with their allegations.
Friends or family members may not have the same level of empathy for affluent victims because they may be swayed more by the victim’s nice house or fancy car. Even if the victim has a support system, that person may stay silent to keep up the appearance of being part of a perfect family. In some cases, victims may not leave because their spouse controls the finances, which may make it more difficult to start over.
If a person experiences emotional, financial or physical abuse, it may be possible to take action against the abuser. For instance, an individual may file for a protective order, and it may also be possible to prevent an abuser from having contact with his or her children. An attorney may be able to help an individual find mental health or other services that may make it easier to move on after being a victim of abuse.