Domestic+Violence

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Overview
Domestic violence issues have been increasing quite quickly since the 19th century. Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse in a toc

relationship that is used to maintain power. Whether it is verbal/emotional, physical or sexual, this is becoming a very serious matter. There are many forms of domestic violence: physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, spiritual, financial, destructive acts, homophobic, and even immigration. Victims who have been abused by partners have deadly life long effects. They are afraid of the abuser and can suffer from depression and anxiety. They can also have life-long trust issues which can affect future relationships.

Physical abuse:
Physical Abuse consists of hitting, slapping, pushing, punching and many other violent approaches. Abusers most of the time abuse the victim so badly they need to be hospitalized, but unfortunately abusers will not allow them to. Also, some abusers even force their partner to do drugs or drink alcohol (USDOJ 3).

Verbal Abuse:
Verbal abuse is when the abuser is breaking their self-esteem, making them feel worthless. They do this by name calling, calling their partner ugly, fat, stupid, dumb. Another way they do this is by trying to break the victims relationship with children and family (USDOJ 3).

Sexual Abuse:
Sexual assault is when the abuser forces the victim into participating in unwanted, unsafe sexual activities. Abuser will also force sex upon their partner after them beating them. Also, criticizing a persons body parts would count as sexual abuse. (“Domestic Violence Issues”).

Attacking the victims spiritual beliefs or values. Misquoting scripture to justify abuse is also a form of this abuse (“Domestic Violence Issues”).
 * Spiritual: **

Destructive Acts:
Destructive acts is a form of domestic violence as well. It is ruining a victims things. This could be vandalizing or killing animals (“Domestic Violence Issues”).

Emotional:
This when the abuser tries to put the victim down, damaging their self esteem. They also will play mind games, making one think they are enough one day then putting one down the next. They may try to isolate one from their friends and family. Making threats and making fun of them are also very common in emotional abuse.

Financial:
Financial abuse is withholding money from the victim, or not supplying the basic needs of the victims. The is also prohibiting the victim to work (“Domestic Violence Issues”).

Immigration is threatening to use deportation (“Domestic Violence Issues”).
 * Immigration: **

Homophobic:
Homophobic is threatening to “out” the victims sexuality. (“Domestic Violence Issues”).

Problem
The problem with abuse is the cycle. This cycle never ends and even when one is in the honeymoon stage and feel like everything is okay, the tension will build back up. The abuser still has the obsession with power. The abuser may be addicted to something, something that messes with their brain and causes a dysfunction. It makes them feel they are or need to be in power. The abuser could be an alcoholic or a drug abuser. Studies show that while under the influence of a banned substance one is more likely to commit abuse. Also, some people just like the physical dominance. They could be under cultural influences as well (“Domestic Violence: why does it happen”).



Causes
Causes of abuse can vary, but it is common for an abuser to be under the influence of something. If you suffer from [|alcoholism] you are more likely to commit abuse because your mind can't think straight (Melinda). [|Drug abuse] also has a big part in abuse for the same reasons. You have a short temper and don't really understand right from wrong. However, that's not an excuse.

Effects
Effects in the victim are really important in the recovery stage (Smith). These effects include depression, suicide attempts, drug and alcohol abuse to try and cover up the pain, risky sexual behavior because they feel as though they are worthless, medical problems from all of the physical harm the abuser did, and low self esteem from all the put downs (Melissa). Some more effects would be trust issues in future relationships, mental problems, therapy for a while to build up self worth, bruises, recovery houses to help you interact with other people who have suffered the same thing, and physical injuries that could be life long and dangerous (“Domestic Violence Issues”). [|Depression] is also an effect that can take a huge toll on your life.

Signs and Symptoms
Signs of a victim will show: They will feel afraid of your partner, avoid conversations that will lead to a fight ,embarrassed and humiliated. Abuser nit picks and criticizes everything about you. Victim would go into a major depression isolating themselves from the world. Victim's partner checks up on you all the time, limits money and resources, force sexual acts and sex, destroy valuable belongings and/ or pets or animals. All of these go together with domestic violence.

Solutions
The first step is to try communicating. It could make the problem go away, avoiding all of this. If drug or alcohol abuse is the cause of the problem, there is always rehab for the abuser. If the victim can fix the relationship, that’s great. But, if it continues, it is important to get away from the situation. You can also go to a local organization such as La Casa de las Madres.La Casa de las Madres is a place where teens and adults who have been abused go to learn coping mechanisms. La Casa also provides them with support, safety, shelter and helps you deal with your problems.This organization gives them the help to transform their lives and start living healthy and free again. La Casa provides victims with the long term of support and help. Each night, they have up to 35 women and children, the shelter is an up to 8 week stay, enough time to get back on your toes and have a plan. When you have court cases you will always have someone with you for support and so you wont feel alone, the same with police assistance.They offer a permanent home for the victims to ensure stability. They also have people working at Mary Elizabeth Inn just in case they need to talk or more sessions to get over trauma.Victims trying to escape domestic violence or already have need to have safe route to escaping safely.