- American Family Physician. 2016; 94(8):646-651
- American Family Physician. 2020; 102(1):55-57
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Finding a Safe Place & Recognizing Signs of Domestic Violence & Abuse
Did you know that men can develop breast cancer as well? They are actually more likely to ignore a lump and therefore are often diagnosed with more advanced disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Check out our article, "Get the Facts on Breast Cancer", to learn more by clicking the button!
Domestic violence, including intimate partner violence, is a prevalent worldwide health problem. Domestic violence comes in many forms but usually involves a pattern of behavior in an intimate relationship used to gain control and power over a partner.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Cases of intimate partner violence in men occur less frequently than in women, but it is more likely to be under-reported in men. Domestic violence is seen in people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Occurrences of domestic violence tend to reoccur and escalate in frequency and severity over time.
Children living in homes where they witness intimate partner violence have higher risks of being in an abusive relationship as an adult, having mental health problems, having school-related problems, and abusing substances in the future.
Children living in homes where they witness intimate partner violence have higher risks of being in an abusive relationship as an adult, having mental health problems, having school-related problems, and abusing substances in the future.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV):
1 in
0
Women
will become victims of domestic violence.
1 in
0
Men
may experience domestic violence.
Often, abusers may harass their victims physically, sexually, financially and/or emotionally. Abusers may try to make their victims feel isolated by controlling what the victim does, who they see or talk to, and where they go. The abuser is interested in power and control and may make threats against the victim or the children to instill fear in the victims. They may yell loudly or destroy the victim’s property. Abusers will often take control of the household’s finances by making the victim ask for money, giving a strict allowance, or taking their money. Abusers will try to emotionally wear down their victims by name calling, casting insults, playing mind games, and overall trying to make the victims feel bad about themselves.
RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS THE FIRST STEP TO STOPPING IT.
You may have found an abusive relationship if you notice any of the following in your relationship or a friend’s:
- Does your partner try to control where you go, who you talk to, check your phone, your car mileage, or your email?
- Does your partner try to isolate you and cut you off from your family and friends?
- Do you find yourself making excuses for bruises, trying to hide bruises, or calling in sick to work because of an injury from your partner?
- Does your partner hit you, hurt you or force you to have sex?
- Does your partner keep you from spending time with friends or family and is constantly jealous?
Developing a safety plan is key to leaving an abusive relationship.
Help is available 24/7 (hotline numbers are listed at the end of this document).
Our local Family Violence Prevention Services agency recommends the following for developing a safety plan:
When preparing to leave a dangerous home environment:
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- FVPS Crisis Hotline 210-733-8810- Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. The Battered Women and Children’s Shelter (FVPS) provides 24 hours crisis intervention and emergency shelter in San Antonio. They have programs and counseling available for victims of domestic abuse. They also offer rehabilitative programs for abusers. Services are provided in English and Spanish. Visit www.fvps.org for detailed information.
