October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I did a little research and with some help from outside sources like The National Domestic Violence Hotline, DomesticViolence.org, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Medline Plus in addition to articles referenced herein by other Families.com bloggers, I came up with a list of seven facts about domestic violence.
1. Domestic violence goes by other names.
Such as partner abuse and spousal abuse.
2. You don’t have to be married to experience domestic violence.
You don’t even necessarily need to be living with your partner to be involved in a domestic violence situation. If you’re seeing someone who is mean to you, hits you, or hurts you in any way, this is abuse and qualifies as domestic violence.
3. Domestic violence does not always manifest itself as physical abuse.
It can be emotional and mental as well. Our souls bear scars that others don’t see, but which we know are there. A couple threads that have been active in the forums recently have caught my attention because while I hope they’re not signs of early stages of mental abuse, they have the markings of such. (Refer to “My husband is asking me to…” and “Boyfriend reads my email.”)
4. Women aren’t the only victims.
Women are the ones who most often suffer as the victims of domestic violence, but in some cases wives are the ones abusing their husbands.
5. No one is immune from becoming a victim.
It doesn’t matter how wealthy you are, or attractive, your age, or even your education level. Domestic violence victims range the gamut.
6. Guilt, low self-esteem, and fear are even more frightening than the abuser.
The only thing most victims share in common is the fact they let themselves be abused because they feel they deserve it, or they fear no one else will ever love them so it’s better to stay where they are and who they’re with. (If you feel this way currently, please know the only thing you deserve is love and respect. But you’ve got to give it to yourself first. That means getting out of the relationship. You are not going to change your partner. The only person you can change is yourself, and the only circumstances you have 100% control of are your own. If you need help to change your circumstances, help is available. Refer to the Who to Contact for Help section below.)
7. Domestic violence is a serious problem.
It’s not car accidents, sports injuries, or just plain old klutziness that account for “the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44.” Domestic violence is.
Photo Credit: mentalhelp.net
Who to Contact for Help
If you’re in an abusive relationship and want advice, guidance, or assistance getting out, please use these resources. In many cases help is available 24 hours a day and is just a phone call away.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
U.S. Domestic Violence Resources A-H
U.S. Domestic Violence Resources I-M
U.S. Domestic Violence Resources N-O
U.S. Domestic Violence Resources P-Z
Marriage Resources: Where to Get Help
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Domestic Violence in Pregnancy
Domestic Violence: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?
Recognizing the Cycle of Domestic Violence
I’m Scared to Be Alone With Him