The discovery that your husband is a sex addict is likely to be a shocking and emotionally complicated event. Perhaps you have tried to help him through the addiction and even tried to make your relationship work in spite of it. After all is said and done, you may discover the only true solution is to leave him and end your marriage through a Virginia divorce.
A common misunderstanding of sexual addiction leads it to often be treated like willful adultery instead of the actual addiction that it is. Someone who is a sex addict may be viewed as someone who simply cannot stay true to his wife rather than someone who is actually suffering from an illness. Understandably, this fact doesn’t make the reality any easier for you if your husband is an addict.
The Meaning of Sexual Addiction
Sexual addiction is a disease associated with obsessive and impulsive sexual activity, despite the risks and dangers involved. People suffering from a sexual addiction will often have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, sexual or otherwise.
Sex addicts have a particularly intense and difficult-to-control sex drive, which may lead to behaviors such as:
- Compulsive masturbation
- Multiple extra-marital affairs
- Multiple or anonymous sex partners
- Consistent use of pornography
- Unsafe sex
- Phone/computer sex
- Prostitution/use of prostitutes
- Exhibitionism
- Obsessive dating through personal ads
- Sexual harassment
- Molestation or Rape
It is easy to see how these types of behavior could lead to divorce. If your husband displays any of these behaviors, and is unwilling to work on getting his sex addiction under control, you may opt to end your marriage.
If you are unsure how to leave your spouse while they are suffering from an addiction, visit our library for helpful tips and advice.
At Hofheimer Family Law Firm, our Virginia divorce attorneys care about your rights, the welfare and happiness of your children, and your financial security. Let us use our unique experience and legal expertise to help you focus on your goals for your future and your family. Contact us today at (757) 425-5200 for more information about our monthly seminars, or to schedule a one-hour legal consultation with one of our Virginia women’s divorce attorneys.