Domestic Violence
A person is battered every 15 seconds in America by a
spouse or cohabitator.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is acts of abuse (hitting, kicking, slapping, emotional abuse, etc.) against someone in the same household. Such as boy friend or girl friend that live in the same house, spouses, domestic partners.
ABUSERS
Statistics prove that most abusers/attackers have been abused before, or as a child. Other tests say that attackers abuse their victims to release endorphins and the thrill of being in control. Abusers are most likely filled with aggression.
Am I being abused?
Ask yourself the following questions:
Does your partner:
Embarrass you with put-downs?
Look at you or act in ways that scare you?
Control what you do, who you see or talk to or where you go?
Stop you from seeing your friends or family members?
Take your money or Social Security check, make you ask for money or refuse to give you money?
Make all of the decisions?
Tell you that you’re a bad parent or threaten to take away or hurt your children?
Prevent you from working or attending school?
Act like the abuse is no big deal, it’s your fault, or even deny doing it?
Destroy your property or threaten to kill your pets?
Intimidate you with guns, knives or other weapons?
Shove you, slap you, choke you, or hit you?
Force you to try and drop charges?
Threaten to commit suicide?
Threaten to kill you?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you are in an abusive situation.
What do I do?
Everyone deserves to live abuse free, it is an American right!
You have the following choices:
Call the police or sheriff. Insist on a report after or while the attack is taking place.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have injuries or have been sexually assaulted.
Keep detailed records of incidents of abuse, including pictures of any injuries or bruises.
Arrange to stay with friends, family, rent a room, or call your local domestic violence helpline or 1-800-799-7233 for emergency housing.
Do not let your partner isolate you from those who can help you in the future. Talk to someone you trust.
Violence occurs in cycles:
1) tension building
2) Explosion
3) Apologies and honeymoon phase
Think how your partner usually prevents you from leaving and prepare for that possibility.
Trust your instincts. Plan ahead so that when a violent episode is imminent you can leave before the attack happens.
Your safety is the bottom line!
Remember, the abuse is not your fault.
Click here to view the domestic violence "get-a-way" plan.
Click here to view the "Does your relationship need a make over quiz". |
