Domestic Violence Awarness Month: What to do if you are a victim

By • October 22, 2009 • Category: Uncategorized

Are you a victim?

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to determine if you are a victim of domestic assault.

  • Do you feel completely controlled by your partner?
  • Do you fear going home?
  • Do you find yourself lying to hide your partner’s behavior?
  • Are you embarrassed or humiliated by your partner in an effort to control your behavior, especially in public?
  • Does your partner hide your keys, mail or other important papers?
  • Does your partner abandon you, leave you places or lock you out?
  • Does your partner constantly accuse you of having affairs when he/she can’t account for 100% of your time? Does he/she tell you jealousy is a sign of love?
  • Do you blame his/her violence on stress, drugs/alcohol or a bad childhood?

Source: Clarkprosecutor.org

Around the country, October is observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  According to webmd.com, domestic violence is abuse that happens in a personal relationship. It can happen between past or current partners, spouses or boyfriends and girlfriends.

Domestic violence can affect men and women of any race, religion or ethnic group.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women, the 25 percent of surveyed women and 8 percent of surveyed men said they were raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, cohabiting partner or date at some point in their lives.

Knowing and understanding that you are a victim of domestic violence is important. One can ask themselves the following questions: Do you feel trapped and alone? Does your partner tell you you’re the cause of every problem? Is your partner threatening toward your children?

According to clarkprosecutor.org/html/domviol/facts.htm, “Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.”

There are many long term effects of domestic violence on men and women. Victims may experience anxiety, health problems, panic attacks, poverty or self neglect.

It is important to know what to do as a domestic violence victim. Be sure to call 911 to report the incident, and seek any medical attention if needed. Find a safe place to stay, like a domestic violence shelter, and seek support from trustworthy and caring people.

To learn more about domestic violence and domestic violence organizations, visit nrcdv.org/dvam/.