With the increased awareness of domestic violence, it is now evident that abuse can occur within a number of relationships. The laws in many states cover incidents of violence occurring between married couples, as well as abuse of elders by family members, abuse between roommates, dating couples and those in gay and lesbian relationships.
In an abusive relationship, the abuser may use a number of tactics other than physical violence in order to maintain power and control over his or her partner.
Emotional and verbal abuse:
Survivors of domestic violence recount stories of put-downs, public humiliation, name-calling, mind games and manipulation by their partners. Many say that the emotional abuse they have suffered has left the deepest scars.
Isolation:
It is common for an abuser to be extremely jealous, and insist that the victim not see her friends of family members. The resulting feeling of isolation may then be increased for the victim if she looses her job as a result of absenteeism or decreased productivity (which are often associated with people who are experiencing domestic violence).
Threats and intimidation:
Threats - including threats of violence, suicide, or of taking away the children - are a very common tactic employed by the battered.
The existence of emotional and verbal abuse, attempts to isolate, and threats and intimidation within a relationship may bean indication that physical abuse is to follow. Even if they are not accompanied by physical abuse, the effect of these incidents must not be minimized. Many of the resources listed in this book have information available for people who are involved with an emotionally abusive intimate partner.
For additional information on the domestic violence definitions and laws in your state, please click State Resources.
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WHAT CAN WE DO AS INDIVIDUALS:
Call the police if you see or hear evidence of domestic violence.
Speak out publicly against domestic violence.
Take action personally against domestic violence when a neighbor, co-worker, a friend, or a family member is involved or being abused.
Encourage your neighborhood watch or block association to become as concerned with watching out for domestic violence as with burglaries and other crimes.
Reach out to support someone whom you believe is a victim of domestic violence and/or talk with a person you believe is being abusive.
Help others become informed, by inviting speakers to your church, professional organization, civic group, or workplace.
Support domestic violence counseling programs and shelters.
"What Can Each of Us Do?" is taken from DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS, Stop the Cycle of Violence, What Can You Do; U.S. Department of Justice Washington D.C. 20530 and from "Preventing Domestic Violence" by Laura Crirites in Prevention Communiqué, March 1992, Crime Prevention Division, Department of the Attorney General, Hawaii
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State Domestic Violence Organizations |
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Regional Domestic Violence Organizations |
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National Domestic Violence Organizations |
