Because Dr. JO is dedicated to promoting healthy relationships, I am joining in the fight against abusive relationships and offering domestic violence help and information. Although abusive relationships statistically surround women who are abused by their partner, many men fall victim to abusive relationships as well.
I am all too familiar with domestic violence, as I have experienced abuse first hand. I witnessed my mother be a victim to spousal abuse and I followed in her footsteps experiencing a few abusive relationships with controlling-men myself. But through awareness, strength, and courage, I was able to leave and rebuild my life.
We’ve come along way from the days of “She got what she deserved” and “It’s her own fault he abuses her”. Although this type of twisted mentality still exists, people are beginning to understand relationship abuse and taking a stand against it however, we still have a way to go.
Love Shouldn’t Hurt
Domestic violence continues to be an epidemic in this country as well as around the world. I want to help educate and help you understand the dynamics behind an abusive relationship. Not only for those seeking to leave an abusive relationship, but also for those who may have a loved one or a friend who is in an abusive situation and want to understand, be supportive, and offer their help.
More importantly, I want to offer resources and domestic violence help for women (and men) because regardless of the type of abuse you may be experiencing, it is NEVER o.k.!
What is Domestic Violence?
A common misconception surrounding domestic violence is that a person must be physically abused to be a victim of abuse. Some think if a woman is not bruised, she’s not being abused. The truth of the matter is domestic violence takes on many forms and many times it’s the unseen scars that take that longest to heal.
Types of abuse include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional Abuse (or mental abuse)
- Verbal Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
It’s also important to understand most abusive relationships do not start out this way. Typically, the abuse begins small as the batterer tests the waters to see what he can and can’t get away with. Over time, he begins to slowly break his partner down and the cycle of abuse begins.
What can you do to prevent abuse?
- Familiarize yourself with signs of abuse.
- Know the cycle of abuse.
By knowing the signs of abuse, understanding the types of abuse, the cycle, and educating yourself on the inner workings of a batterer can help you protect yourself from falling into an abusive relationship or help you to escape one. Everyone deserves to be in a healthy and loving relationship without fear and shame!
Anti-Domestic Violence PSA
