By Luis Orozco, LCSW –
Domestic violence is an unhealthy behavioral pattern in which a person abuses another person in order to gain control. It is an intentional and recurring behavior. The abuse can be physical, psychological, financial or of sexual nature.
Physical abuse may include throwing objects, pulling hair, pinching, burning, choking, punching, biting, kicking, scratching and pushing. Consequences may range from an injury to death.
Psychological abuse may include intimidation, destruction of belongings, removal of basic resources (such as food, clothes and health assistance), threats, humiliation, accusations, isolation, insults (mild or aggressive), negative criticism, mocking, sarcasm and non-physical punishments. This type of abuse may lead a person to develop traumas, disorders, lack of self-confidence and destructive thoughts.
Financial or economic abuse means controlling access to economic resources or activities that allow a person to generate income so as to reduce the victim’s self-sufficiency and force them to become financially dependent on the abuser. This kind of abuse is usually related to the unauthorized or illegal use of properties, money and other valuable items.
Sexual abuse refers to forcing somebody to participate in any kind of sex-related act without their consent. It can also refer to the control over sexual activity by means of violence and emotional abuse.
Any person can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of their gender, sexual preference, race, age, religion or educational and socioeconomic background. Domestic violence can take place in heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual relationships.
According to the World Health Organization, 1 out of 3 women suffer from some kind of physical or sexual abuse. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) found that 1 out of 7 men is severely abused by his partner. In terms of gay couples, some studies have found that domestic violence takes place in 1 out of 3 relationships.
Enduring domestic violence may cause different kinds of emotions, such as anxiety, depression, confusion, guilt, shame, anger, loneliness and frustration. These emotions are a normal reaction to abuse. If the abuse is not stopped, the victim can develop physical or mental disorders.
Domestic violence does not only affect people being abused directly, but also family members, friends, colleagues and the whole community. Children exposed to domestic violence are frequently more predisposed to getting involved in abusive relationships. This creates a new generation of victims and abusers.
If you or somebody you know is suffering from domestic violence, make a toll-free call to 1 800 799-7233 or visit thehotline.org to get confidential help in your language.
