Domestic Violence Awareness

Domestic violence is a crime that affects millions of families each year in the United States. Though both women and men can be victims, the majority of victims are women. Additionally, children suffer from domestic violence as witnesses or as victims of violence themselves. If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic abuse—or you feel you may be at risk of hurting someone you love—these documents can provide you with general information on what constitutes abuse, the warning signs of violence, and tips for getting help. We have also included a “Helpful Resources” section at the end of the “Helping a Loved One” document, which includes information on organizations that may be able to provide additional help. Please note, these documents are intended to provide general information only; if you are the victim of domestic violence or you are feel you may hurt others, please seek professional help immediately.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is physical or verbal abuse that occurs in a family situation. It is used to establish control over another through fear or intimidation. Abuse does not only consist of physical battering; it can be sexual, emotional, or psychological in nature. Even just the threat of violence can be a form of abuse. Generally, acts of abuse fall into one of three main categories:

Physical abuse—May consist of pushing, slapping, hitting, punching, pulling hair, choking and breaking bones. In the most serious cases, physical abuse can result in murder. It also includes denial of basic human needs such as food, sleep, medical care or money.

Sexual assault—This includes any attempt to force a partner to have sex or perform sexual acts against his or her will, physically attacking a partner’s body, treating a partner like a sexual object and threatening physical violence should a partner refuse to comply with sexual demands. Sexual assault can also take the form of obscene telephone calls, indecent exposure, unwanted touching and rape.

Psychological/Emotional abuse—May include verbal abuse, humiliation, name-calling or put-downs, threats of violence against the person, social isolation or control, excessive possessiveness, withholding of money, destroying possessions, etc.

Can Domestic Violence Be Predicted?

It is difficult to predict who will become an abuser. Some abusers have no signs, or few signs, of abuse, however, there are some signs that may indicate the potential for abuse, including:

• Family history (abused children or children who witness abuse often become abusers)
• Quick temper and use of force to solve problems
• Low self-esteem
• Abuse of alcohol and other drugs Appearance of having two personalities
• Extreme jealousy
• Rough treatment of partner and/or the desire to make a partner afraid
• View of violence as not serious

Keep in mind, if someone you know exhibits one or more of these traits; it is not mean they are capable of violent behavior. These are guidelines only. Keep in mind that, while it is not always easy to predict who will become an abuser, once abuse has occurred, the cycle of violence is predictable. Domestic violence is rarely a one-time event. A series of minor incidents often leads to more serious violence. If your partner abuses you in any way, seek help. Even if your partner apologizes and promises that it won’t happen again, in most cases it will.

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Although there are obvious signs of domestic abuse, such as physical or sexual assault, there are more subtle warning signs that may indicate that you may be in an abusive relationship, or become the victim of abuse. If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, seek help immediately:

Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Are you afraid of your partner’s temper?
• Are you constantly concerned about what kind of mood your partner is in?
• Is your partner overly jealous or possessive?
• Has your partner threatened to hurt you, your children, your friends or to destroy personal possessions?
• Does your partner put you down or make degrading remarks about you in public?
• Do you often go along with whatever your partner wishes just to keep the peace?
• Has your partner hit, grabbed, bitten, burned, slapped or pushed you?
• Has your partner used a gun, knife or other weapon against you?
• Has your partner held or squeezed you so hard that it left a bruise?
• Has your partner forced you to have sex or perform sexual acts when you did not want to?
• Has your partner threatened to harm or kill him or herself if you would not do something?

This document is provided to you in conjunction with LifeCare. It is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations.

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