Recognizing domestic violence

The National Coalition against Domestic Violence (NCADV) states that every nine seconds a women in the United States is assaulted. This means that in the few minutes it will take to read this article, 154 more women are likely to have been abused.

The victimization of domestic violence can, at times, be easy to miss without the knowledge to identify the different forms of abuse. Domestic abuse can happen in many various forms, including verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The NCADV states 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of some form of violence in their lifetime. In most cases the violence comes from an intimate partner.

Verbal and/or emotional abuse is likely to occur when someone threatens, criticizes or orders another person around. This is known to cause mental instability or, in other words, psychological damage to the person or persons involved.

“With regard to how a person becomes a victim of abuse, power and control are key components,” said Amy Lucas, assistant professor of sociology and women’s studies. “The Power and Control wheel does a great job of displaying all the ways in which an abuser gains power and controls a victim. Essentially, the wheel displays how an abuser often uses coercion and threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, children, and economic abuse to control victims.”

Associated with most cases of domestic violence, physical abuse is the most common form of abuse. Although physical abuse can be identified much easier and quicker than others, it can also be easily played off or concealed too. For example; people may say they have bruised their arm from running into a dresser at home to hide the fact that they have been hit.

“One of the biggest stigmas people ask is, why does she/ he stay,” said Natalie Stigall, Houston outreach education advocate for The Bridge Over Troubled Waters. “People blame the victim for not taking charge of the situation. The victim or survivor does not have control. There are so many barriers we don’t know about. Whether it be financial or cultural, we don’t know. It is really harmful to victims to ask them that. We have to look past the situation if we want to help them.”

Sexual abuse is not just a type of abuse occurring when one is raped or molested; it can happen within relationships. Women are known to have several medical issues, such as becoming more vulnerable to contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, as a result of being forced to have unwanted sexual relations with their spouse. Domestic violence can also lead to depression and suicidal behavior.

“I think it is important to recognize that both women and men can be victims of domestic violence — and that domestic violence is not limited to one social class, racial/ethnic group, etc. It is a problem that impacts everyone,” Lucas said.

Local organizations such as Bay Area Turning Point and The Bridge Over Trouble Waters have 24/7 crisis hotlines and private shelters dedicated to anyone seeking help. These shelters also offer free resources to educate and aid the public. The University Of Houston – Clear Lake offers free counseling to students and their families through UHCL’s Counseling Services office.

“One way to prevent the cycle of domestic violence is to learn relationship skills that lead to healthy relationships. These are important skills to learn at a young age. For example, it’s really important for teenagers to learn about what a healthy relationship looks like and how to have a healthy relationship,” Lucas said.