DYNAMICS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence can be expressed in multiple ways. It can be inflicted from a significant other or spouse.
PhysicalPredators tend to use beating methods and throw objects at their spouse. Women are marked with bruises all over their body due to this. Women also experience injuries or death from the amount of physical damage that was caused.
|
VerbalName calling and threatening are techniques used for verbal abuse. Victims are put down and ashamed. They feel bad about themselves. Victims are also led to believe that they are insane.
|
SexualRape is used to intimidate and control women in a violent relationship. It is used to cause pain. This can then lead to physical injuries. Women tend to not fight back so they are not abused.
|
Domestic violence causes victims to suffer physical and mental long term issues.
Why Victims stay |
|
|
FearVictims fear for their own safety. They also fear for the safety of their loved ones. Predators will make threats to hurt the victims or their family if they try to leave. Abusers also threaten to keep custody over their children. The victims are terrified if they end up being homeless. They would end up suffering in the streets. Some are so used to being inside. They forgot what it was like to socialize or be out there in the world.
|
Promise of changeBatterers promise that they'll change. They say they will become better people. This gives the victims hope in the relationship. Victims believe that the relationship could work out. They don't want it to end. They just want to put an end to the violence. Batterers usually convince them by being kind. They give romantic presents. Then they start the abuse a while after. It will usually be an on and off thing. Which confuses most victims.
|
Financial IssuesMost offenders don't let victims work. They keep them locked up at home. Victims then depend on them to access money. Victims can't support themselves if they were to escape. They also have to think of their kids. They would have to support themselves and the children. It would be too much of a risk if they left. Victims don't have any access to cash or bank accounts.
|
How You Can Help
If you know someone who is suffering one way by helping them is by providing the YWCA contact information. Help her recognize that the abuse is there. Support her into talking about their abuse and encourage her to help make a decision to leave. It is completely normal for women to defend the abuser and reject your support. Be cautious about things you say to not trigger the victim. Some questions you may ask are; how they treat you, how do you think this is affecting you or your kids, and what are you afraid if you leave or stay. You can also come up for a code word to use if she needs help. Never try to force the victim to leave or confront their predator. That can put the victim's life at a huge risk. Don't show that you are concerned for her, it can be overwhelming at times and make things worse. Don't give advice or reasoning, just concentrate on supporting them.