DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

By Dr. Leonard A. Lado, MD, ABPN

Domestic violence has many different names. It is sometimes called domestic abuse, intimate partner abuse, spousal abuse, as well as a variety of other names throughout the last few decades. Whatever name it is given, it has one definition. It is the attempt to gain power over or to control a romantic partner. This can take place in any type of intimate relationship, be it heterosexual, homosexual, adult or adolescent. Domestic violence knows no social boundaries. Its victims can be any age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or social class.

Domestic violence is a major public health problem in that it affects millions of people and often results in physical and emotional injuries and even deaths. The statistics about those who are affected by domestic violence are shocking. Domestic abuse affects 3%-5% of current adult relationships in the United States. In fact, domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crimes in this country. Breaking it down by gender, the numbers are even more frightening. Current statistics show that 1 in every 3 women and 1 in every 4 men have been victims of domestic violence in their lifetime.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
The types of domestic violence include physical, verbal, sexual, economic, and spiritual abuse. Recently, stalking and cyber-stalking have also been classified as forms of domestic violence. Let’s look at how these different types of abuse are manifested.

Physical abuse can include a wide range of
behaviors. Among these are:
• Hitting/slapping/punching
• Stabbing
• Pinching
• Pushing/shoving
• Choking
• Shooting
• Murder

Verbal abuse includes emotional, mental, and psychological manipulation. The aggressor uses words to criticize, belittle, or lower the confidence of his/her partner.

Sexual abusers use sex to control or demean their victim. The victim is intimidated into engaging in unwanted or unsafe sexual acts and practices.

Economic abusers use threats to limit a victim’s financial security or freedom.

Spiritual abuse is when the victim is forced to participate in their partner’s religious practices and/or raise their children in a religion that he/she is not in agreement with.

Stalking is repeated harassment or threats. This may include going to the victim’s home or workplace, calling repeatedly, sending unsolicited voicemail or emails, and repeated, unwanted online contact. The perpetrator may leave items to terrorize the victim or even vandalize the victim’s property.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IMPACTS BOTH THE VICTIM AND SOCIETY
At the moment that abuse occurs, domestic violence is tragic. However, when we look at the impact that it has in the long-term, it is even more heartbreaking. Victims and witnesses of abuse (too often children) carry scars, both mental and emotional, into the rest of their lives. This impacts not only the individual, but also the family and society as a whole.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one long-term effect of being the victim of or witness to domestic violence.
• Victims of domestic violence are far more likely to struggle with mental health that those who have not suffered abuse.
• Studies have shown a higher risk of suicide among victims of domestic violence.
• Having a gun in the home where domestic violence is taking place increases the likelihood of a homicide by 500%. In fact, 72% of all murder-suicides stem from domestic violence.
• Victims of abuse are at a much higher risk for mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts as well as poor physical health.

THE IMPACT ON CHILDREN
Many studies have shown us that being a victim of domestic violence or a witness to it in the home has a devastating impact on children. Children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse themselves are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems. Children who witness violence between parents may also be at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships.

Here are some of the current statistics in the United States:
• 1 in 15 children is exposed to domestic violence each year. They are nearly always first-hand witnesses.
• Over 15 million children in the United States have at some point lived in a house where domestic violence has occurred.
• Children who are witnesses to domestic violence have a high risk of repeating the behavior in their own home in the future. Studies show that young boys who witness their mother being abused are very likely to abuse their partner in the future. And conversely, a young girl who witnesses her mother being abused is more like to be abused by her partner.
• Studies in juvenile detention centers demonstrate that teens who come from homes where domestic violence is common tend to engage in high-risk behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, fight more often, skip school, bully, and get into trouble with the law.
• Children who witness domestic violence in the home suffer from mental health and behavioral problems that in turn affect their performance in school. They report many more physical problems such as stomach aches and headaches as well.

OVERCOMING
Leaving an abusive relationship can be emotionally, physically, and logistically challenging. The first step in the right direction is to acknowledge the abuse that is occurring. Next, it is important to find support to help you leave safely. Finally, once out of the situation, the victim must find ways of processing the experience and the remaining pain or fear.

Survivors can gradually work to rebuild all that was damaged in the relationship. Developing a support system, practicing self-care, and discussing the experience with a mental health professional can all help survivors in the aftermath of an abusive relationship.

Leonard A. Lado, MD, ABPN
9410 Fountain Medical Ct.
Suite 200
Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
239-948-4325
www.Ladomd.com