“It is estimated that every 9 seconds, a woman is abused/ battered” – The American Medical Association, 2014.
Domestic violence is a pattern of physical or psychological abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation or economic coercion used by one person to exert power and control over another person in a dating, family or household relationship. Unfortunately, many people feel domestic violence is a private matter and often choose to suffer alone in silence. It is not, or it should not be a private matter, it is a CRIME!!!
Forms of Abuse
Emotional Abuse:It harms a person’s self-image and self-esteem. It often causes shame or the individual to question themselves. Tactics often used by abusers.
1. Repeated lies
2. Withholding affection
3. Extreme jealousy
4. Frequent insults and put-downs
5. Threats the person safety or loved one’s safety
6. Controlling the person’s whereabouts, dress, eat & etc.
Physical Abuse:
It causes physical pain or injuries. It is any unwanted physical act.
Examples includes:
1. Hugging
2. Tickling
3. Kissing (if unwanted)
4. Kicking
5. Slapping
5. Attack with a knife, gun or any other object or weapon
6. Any physical unwanted act that is hurtful.
Sexual Abuse:
It is any kind of unwanted sexual advance or contact. This can include anything from unwelcomed touching, kissing, intercourse or unwanted sexual comments. Forced sexual intercourse between two people is always called “date rape” and unfortunately is too, too common and goes unreported.
How Can You Help?
1. Support
2. Be an Advocate
3. Support Causes that Support Survivors
4. Educate your loved ones of the problems that exist
5. Volunteer
6. Listen
National Domestic Violence Help-line
(800) 799-7233(800) 787-3224 TDD
Chicago Domestic Violence Help-line
(877) 863-6338(877) 884-0005The
National Sexual Assault Hotline
(800) 656-4673
Safety Planning
Planning for safety during a violent act involves figuring out how to safely exit the home or finding a lower-risk place to go if an argument happens. As a result, a place with no exits, such as bathrooms or closets, or that provide access to weapons such as in kitchens or garages, are difficult and unlikely to provide safety. Individuals should make a list of people they might contact in an emergency or places they coud go to if they decide to leave.
Safety Plan Emergency Checklist & Other Important Items to Possibly Take When Leaving:
___ Identification for yourself
___ Driver license or state ID
___ Your birth certificate
___ Child/Children birth certificates
___ Social security card for yourself
___ Social security cards for your child/ children
___ Money
___ Lease, rental agreement, deed to house, Mortgage information
___ Wallet, checkbook, credit cards, ATM
___ Orders of Protection
___ Insurance cards & policies
___ Keys
___ Medications
___ Address book
___ Pictures
___ Shot & school records
___ Passport, work permits, green card
___ Divorce
___ Jewelry or whatever you feel is necessary
___ Journal of details of physical abuse with dates, times & what occurred
Profile of an Abuser:
1. Jealous – Accuses victim of being unfaithfu or flirting
2. Isolate partner or limit contact with friends and family
3. Tries to control partner
4. Jekyll & Hyde personality, terrible alone & nice to others.
5. Threaten to hurt you or your children/ family
6. Very critical may say “No one will ever want you or you’re ugly”
7. Blames other all the times for their actions
8. Bad tempers
9. Threaten suicide or have made suicide attempts
Prayerfully, this information will be useful, informative and help stop 🛑 another person from experience abuse.