Domestic Violence
Domestic violence involves a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control or dominate another. These behaviors can occur among adults or adolescents and are often directed at current or former intimate partners.
Domestic violence and abuse can affect anyone, including children, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other factors.
“a recurring pattern of abusive or violent behaviors used by someone in a relationship to gain or maintain control over another person within the home.”
Signs that Your Partner is Abusive
You feel intimidated by your partner
You often give in because you fear your partner’s reaction
Your partner often criticizes you for daily activities or things
Your partner frequently threatens to withhold money and resources, take away relationships, or have an affair
You have been physically hurt by your partner
You have been forced or pressured into having physical intimacy
You have been stopped from seeing family or friends
You are often humiliated in front of others
Signs That Your Parent is Abusive
Your parent uses violence as a form of punishment
You have been physically hurt by your parent
Your parent often criticizes you for daily activities or things
You are often humiliated in front of others
Your parent is often sexually inappropriate with you or exposes you to sexually inappropriate content
Your parent withholds love
Your parent takes financial advantage of you
Emotional Reasons Why Victims Stay
Belief that the offender will change due to their remorse and promises to stop the abuse\
Fear that the offender will kill the victim if the abuse is reported
Guilt over the failure of the relationship or feeling responsible for the abuse
Feeling attached to the offender
Fear of making significant life changes
Belief that only the victim can help the offender with their problems
Love for the offender
Situational Reasons Why Victims Stay
Economic dependence on the offender
Fear of physical harm to oneself
Lack of information or support
Belief that law enforcement will not take the victim seriously
Cultural or religious constraints
The Three Stages in the Cycle of Violence
Tension Building: The abuser becomes increasingly tense, leading to a buildup of stress. The victim often feels the need to be very cautious.
Acute Explosion: This phase involves the actual physical abuse, which can range from a few minutes to several hours.
Honeymoon Phase: After the violence, the abuser may apologize, behave as if nothing happened, or make promises to change. However, the tension will likely start building again, causing the cycle to continue.
Power and Control Wheel
The Power and Control wheel diagram is a helpful tool for understanding the overall pattern of violence in abusive relationships. It illustrates the various tactics abusers use to establish and maintain control over their partners. These tactics are not limited to physical violence but also include psychological abuse, which can leave victims feeling fearful, helpless, and powerless.
The inside of the circle represents continual behaviors while the outer ring represents physical and sexual violence. The more abusive behaviors represented in the outer ring reinforce the use of tactics found on the inside of the circle to maintain power and control.
