Last week Michael Lollar of the Commercial Appeal wrote an article highlighting the growth of domestic violence cases in Memphis over the past year, stressing that out of 4,001 domestic violence cases last year there were 35 deaths and a four percent increase in repeat offenders.  In our previous post, we discussed the possibilities surrounding divorcing a jailed spouse, and we want you to know that the same options exist for those who are the victims of domestic violence.Tennessee grounds for divorce include two separate references to cases of abuse: “ The husband or wife is guilty of such cruel and inhuman treatment or conduct towards the spouse as renders cohabitation unsafe and improper, which may also be referred to in pleadings as inappropriate marital conduct,” and “The husband or wife has offered such indignities to the spouse’s person as to render the spouse’s position intolerable, and thereby forced the spouse to withdraw.”  As we mentioned in the last post, you can seek either a “no fault” divorce or, should the matter become contested, you can file for divorce on one of the above grounds.  Mississippi also provides for victims of domestic violence, citing as grounds for divorce: “Habitual cruel and inhuman treatment.”

There are many resources both locally and nationwide to reach out to should you become the victim of domestic abuse.  The National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 1-800-356-6767 or 1-800-799-7233, is an excellent resource, as is the local CAAP Domestic Violence Program Hotline, at 901-272-2221.

If you’re the victim of domestic violence DO NOT stay in the relationship. No matter what you may hope, things rarely turn for the better. Seek counseling today!