DOMESTIC VIOLENCENCE AWARENESS

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Taken from web site: Psychology Today, Domestic Violence, Spousal Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence - Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

Domestic violence occurs when a person consistently aims to control their partner through physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. The United States

Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain

control over another intimate partner.”

Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be physical or psychological, and it can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant

to scare, physically harm, or control a partner.   And while every relationship is different, domestic violence typically involves an unequal power dynamic in

 which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways.

               Insults, threats, emotional abuse, and sexual coercion all constitute domestic violence. Some perpetrators may use children, pets, or other family

 members as emotional leverage to get their victim to do what they want. Victims of domestic violence experience diminished self-worth, anxiety, depression, and a general sense of helplessness that can take time and often professional help to overcome.

A clinician who works with victims of domestic violence may be able to help an individual extract her or himself from the situation, as well as offer

psychological support.  Find a therapist who can help here.

What types of abuse constitute domestic violence?

Abusive relationships can take many different forms, such as physical abuse (hitting, pushing, or denying medical care), emotional abuse (manipulation,

threats, or name-calling), sexual abuse (rape, assault, or pressuring the person to have sex), and economic abuse (withholding funds or putting

someone in debt).

Why do partners become abusive?

Abuse is driven by the desire for control—to maintain power in the relationship and assume a position of superiority. Violence also involves troubling cultural

norms, particularly in cases of men sexually assaulting women. Whether the brain perceives the partner as part of the self or not may also play a role,

research suggests.

Identifying an Abusive Partner

         Abusers aren’t easy to spot. In public, they can seem smart, trustworthy, and charming with a personality that draws people in, but in private, they

are a waking nightmare.  Many abusers learn violence from their family and repeat the toxic patterns with their own partner or children. They are also more

likely to have legal and substance abuse problems. Heterosexual male abusers often believe in traditional

gender roles, particularly that a woman’s main priority should be to care for their partner and children. They have to be in control and are especially prone

to jealousy, accusing their partner of cheating without any reason or needing to know where their partner is at all times.

How do abusive partners act?

         Abusers often isolate their victims from family, friends, work, and any other outside sources of support. They may have explosive tempers and become

violent during an abusive episode; afterward, they become remorseful and try to woo their partner back with charm and affection and promises to change,

but the abusive behavior rarely stops.

How can you tell if you’re in an abusive relationship?

          Abusive relationships center around control and power. Common tactics that perpetrators use include:

1. A pattern of violence—episodes interspersed with apologies, gifts, and

promises to stop

                                                                                                  2. Isolating the victim from friends, family, hobbies, or even their job

  3. Instilling guilt in the victim for their behavior or wanting more freedom

How Abuse Impacts Victims

          It can take time before victims of domestic violence recognize their situation for what it is. Abuse often leaves physical marks, from bruises and broken

bones to shortness of breath and involuntary shaking.  Seeming more prone to “accidents” than the average person can be a warning sign that someone is being

abused. Abuse victims can also suffer both short- and long-term emotional and psychological effects, including feelings of confusion or hopelessness, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What are the consequences of domestic violence?

            Domestic violence is the most common cause of injury for women, leading to even more injuries than car accidents. The physical consequences can be

short-term, such as bruises, pain, and broken bones, or long-term, such as arthritis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The lasting

consequences psychologically include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How often is domestic violence perpetrated against men?

            Nine percent of men may experience domestic violence, which includes stalking, sexual assault, and physical violence, according to one UK

study. Other research suggests that 28 percent of men experience intimate partner violence in the U.S. Men face distinct hurdles getting help, because

they can be pathologized, not believed, or denied assistance from shelters created for women.

Overcoming Domestic Violence

            Leaving an abusive relationship is exceptionally challenging, both emotionally and practically. The process involves acknowledging the abuse that’s

occurring, finding support to leave safely, and processing the experience and the remaining pain or   fear.

            Survivors can gradually work to rebuild the self-esteem that was damaged in the relationship.  Developing a non-judgmental support system, practicing self-care, and discussing the experience with a mental health professional can all help survivors in the aftermath of the relationship.

Why do people stay in abusive relationships?

            Identifying a pattern of abuse and making the decision to leave can be incredibly difficult. A few of those barriers include financial stress, having

nowhere else to go, the threat of violence, and a lack of support from law enforcement. Family and social expectations may also create pressure to

stay, especially when children are involved.

How can survivors heal from domestic violence?

Survivors first need to acknowledge the abusive relationship. Writing down a partner’s behavior to identify patterns and speaking with a trusted friend or

family member can help. Reaching out to a domestic violence organization can help with developing a safety plan to leave, and speaking

with a therapist can help process the experience and rebuild self-esteem.