Domestic
Violence
What it is…
Domestic violence is a deliberate pattern of abusive tactics used by one partner in an intimate or close relationship to obtain and maintain power and control over the other person.
Domestic violence is not an isolated instance of aggression; it is an atmosphere that is created by many forms of abuse and a cycle that increases over time in frequency and intensity.
Domestic violence falls into five (5) major categories: Economical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse and Sexual Abuse:
- Economical AbuseThis form of abuse is often unrecognized and is utilized so that the victim is completely reliant on the abuser for financial assistance. It may include withholding money for basic necessities such as food and clothing, ensuring the victim has no say in how money is being spent and utilized, preventing the victim from working, having the victim turn over any money received and/or even causing the victim to lose a job.
- Emotional AbuseThe intent of this form of abuse is to destroy the victim’s self-worth through ongoing humiliation, insults, criticism and intimidation. Statements are often made that assists in destroying the victim’s self-esteem and bring on feelings of confusion and worthlessness. Religious beliefs are sometimes used to justify the abuse and the victim begins to feel incompetent and mentally unstable.
- Physical AbuseThis form of abuse may include but is not limited to holding the victim as a hostage, beating, choking, hair pulling, hitting (sometimes with an object), kicking, punching, pulling, pushing, threating with a weapon, etc. Interrupting the victim’s meals and sleep, withholding money and threatening to physically assault or kill the victim may also occur.
- Psychological AbuseThis form of abuse is intended to cause fear in the victim so as to prevent others from knowing about the abuse. Psychological abuse is typically persistent in nature and significant enough that the victim feels intimidated. This type of abuse often leads to emotional abuse, but by itself may not be enough to bring about a domestic violence action.
- Sexual AbuseThis form of abuse is quite common in domestic violence and includes sexual assault, rape, unwelcome and demeaning behaviors. Reproduction coercion can often occur in that the victim is coerced to not use contraceptive devices such as condoms, IUDs, pills, etc. Making nonconsensual contact with the victim on any part of the victim’s body is considered Sexual Abuse.
Who it affects…
Domestic violence occur in all socio-economic levels, urban and rural communities, young and old, single, married, with or without children, divorced, within all religions, racial and ethnic groups and geographic locations. Councils on Family Violence have designated domestic violence as an “Unreported Epidemic.” According to a study by Staus & Gelles (1993), women also initiate and carry out domestic violence assaults on their partners as often as men do, however with serious physical abuse, women are overwhelmingly on the receiving end.
More women are injured through domestic violence than by rape, muggings and car accidents combined. Many pregnant women have been and may be victims of domestic violence. Forced sex or marital rape is the leading type of sexual abuse, yet both may be the most under-reported and least legally punished crime of partner abuse, because many victims are reluctant to report and file charges against the abuser, for various reasons.
Everyone who is exposed to domestic violence is negatively impacted.
The effects of domestic violence on children
The range of problems among children who witness parental domestic violence includes psychosomatic disorders such as stuttering, anxiety, fear, sleep disruption and school problems. Children older than 5 or 6 years have a tendency to identify with the abuser and lose respect for the victim. Seventy-five percent (75%) of boys who witness parental domestic violence have demonstrable behavioral problems. Children are more often abused when one of their caretakers is abused…the trauma of living in a home with domestic violence present cannot be underestimated. It is rare that abuse of a parent occur without children knowing; even if children do not see the abuse in person or are “asleep” when the abuse occurs.
- Children living in homes where domestic violence is occurring are often physically abused, sexually abused or seriously neglected at a rate of 1500% higher than the national average.
- Nearly 50% of men who abuse their female partners, also abuse their children.
- Nationally, 75% of females who have been abused also say that their children have been abused.
Over 3 million children are at risk of exposure to domestic violence each year. Children who witness abuse of their maternal caretaker are:
- 24 times more likely to commit sexual assault
- 50% more likely to abuse alcohol and/or other drugs
- 74% more likely to commit crimes against another person
- 6 times more likely to commit suicide
What to do
If you are the victim of domestic violence
- Call 911 immediately – this will activate the Criminal Justice system in regards to your domestic violence abuse and injurious claims.
- and ensure that the Officer writes down your statements with direct quotes of what your abuser said while attacking you.
- Never refuse medical evaluations and medical services!
- Never clean up the house or location after a domestic violence attack. It is important that critical evidence of harm or injury is not removed.
- Take pictures of your injuries and any damage to property, etc. Remember, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and is just good evidence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 2023
