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How to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence

Detecting Domestic Violence

By Jennifer GrachovaPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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About one in four women in the US are victims of domestic violence. They report experiencing violence by a former or current boyfriend/partner at some point in the relationship.

On the average, three women are also killed due to domestic violence daily. Shockingly, 40 percent of murdered female victims were killed by their partners.

And according to a 2005 data gathered, women suffer from two million injuries due to partner violence annually.

Types of Domestic Violence

What are the types of abuse? They are divided into several classifications, namely control, emotional abuse, and intimidation, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, including coercion, threats, and blame, using male privilege, and isolation.

Regarding control, it can involve physical abuse, which is referred to any physically aggressive behavior, indirect physically harmful behavior, and withholding of physical needs, according to the AMEND Workbook for Ending Violent Behavior.

Physical abuse may include, but is not limited to, slapping, kicking, biting, choking, pinching, beating, and pulling hair.

On sexual abuse, it involves forcing sex on another person, or using it in an exploitative fashion. For example, a woman who had permitted sexual activity in the past doesn’t involve present consent.

This type of abuse may involve both physical and verbal behavior. It may also include, but is not limited to, not considering the other person’s desire to do a sexual activity, or using manipulation, guilt, coercion, or force.

In may also include forcing the victim to have sex with another person, be involved in prostitution involuntarily, or have an unwanted sexual experience.

Sexual abuse may also involve exploiting a victim who’s not able to decide about the involvement in sex, because they're drugged, asleep, disabled, or intoxicated.

Signs That Help You Recognize Them

The next thing that you may want to know about domestic violence is the signs. The following are some behaviors typical of the violence, jealousy, put-downs, and threats in abusive relationships, and domestic violence. Someone may be experiencing domestic violence if her man:

  • Always accuses her of being unfaithful or flirting
  • Decides what she eats or wears
  • Yells at her
  • Humiliates her in front of other people
  • Assaults her physically
  • Threatens using a weapon against her
  • Threatens hurting pets, their children, and her
  • Prevents or discourages her from seeing family and friends
  • Monitors her activities, including checking her text messages, and emails

However, out of shame and fear, victims often deny or hide domestic violence. But while trying to hide it, they show signs of abuse that occurs.

Another significant sign of domestic violence involves a victim showing unusual quietness and withdrawal from the world. So if you notice a once cheerful friend that has suddenly become withdrawn, it could be a sign of domestic abuse.

Where can you apply?

Consult a domestic violence attorney that’ll be able to give you advice, and help you understand and defend your rights. He/she has extensive experience in handling domestic violence cases and trials. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, contact an experienced domestic violence lawyer to help protect and defend your rights.

For more help, here are organizations or places to help you.

For more, refer to this list.

Psychological Help for a Victim

How to render psychological help: Violence has mental and physical health effects on women. It also affects the victim’s family, children, and community. The effects can harm the person’s health and children. Violence can also harm the community due to homelessness and job loss.

Seeking support from family and friends, and counseling can help victims move forward in their lives.

For example, counseling sessions can offer a confidential and safe environment for the survivors, allowing them to express their thoughts, feelings, and fears.

Also speaking with a trauma specialist can help the survivor manage and control any anxiety. He or she can also teach him/her ways to cope with and relieve stress.

The specialist can help in processing traumatic experiences or memories, so that the victim can move on. He/she can also teach ways to control negative emotions like anger and fear.

Group counseling can also benefit a domestic violence victim, because it allows survivors to connect with individuals who are also victims of violence.

This type of counseling can help in reducing the feeling of isolation, which is created by the abuser. More so, the other survivors can give advice on how they’re able to overcome the tough situations in their lives.

How long can it take? There is no definite answer on this because a counselor has a customized approach for each client who has a unique experience in domestic violence or abusive relationship. In addition, the client may be a witness, the perpetrator of the violence, or the victim.

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