Category Archives: Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence During the Holidays
While the holidays bring empathy, peace, and joy for many, survivors of domestic violence know that holiday cheer is not in their fortunes. Sadly, domestic violence (DV) incidents see a surge during the season, filled with trepidation, anger, and pain. Why is this time of year so difficult for many families across the country?… Read More »
Domestic Violence: When Things Escalate
You’ve seen the temper, but it’s never been physical. Then it turned into punching walls. Throwing objects. Still, you were never harmed. Until you were. What are your options at this point? Types of Escalation Escalation refers to changing abuse patterns. It can be either gradual or sudden” Gradual: Slowly intensifying aggression, such as… Read More »
Is it Domestic Violence?
People in unhealthy relationships often have trouble naming the issues they face. Many victims of domestic violence (DV) don’t believe they’re experiencing DV unless it gets to the point of getting a black eye, and even then, they may not be comfortable with labeling the behavior because they believe they deserved it, they’ve accepted… Read More »
Why Stay With an Abuser?
It’s one of the most difficult social problems to understand: why people who are in abusive relationships don’t leave them. If the abuse is so bad, some might reason, why stick around? The answers are complicated and vary from case to case. Don’t Believe These Reasons Sadly, it’s all too easy for some people… Read More »
Protecting Digital Life After Leaving Your Abuser
You’ve made the break, and hope you never have to deal with your abuser again! Modern times require that you take specific steps to prevent your abuser from victimizing you further through cyberstalking, identity theft, or otherwise disrupting your life. Here are some very clear steps you should take in order to keep your… Read More »
Domestic Violence: Finding Safety for You and Your Pet
If you are experiencing domestic violence (DV) and are reluctant to get out of the dangerous situation you’re in because you fear for the safety of your pet, you’re definitely not alone. Nearly all respondents to a survey on the matter report that the ability to keep their pets with them is a central… Read More »
Coercive Control and Gaslighting can be Abusive
Gaslighting is a term we hear a lot these days, but what does it really mean, and how damaging is it in an intimate relationship? The truth is that gaslighting is a form of coercive control that can be extremely hurtful and destructive. What Gaslighting Looks Like Are you in a relationship where an… Read More »
What to Expect When You Call Police Due to Domestic Violence
Domestic violence (DV) is a horrendous problem many couples and families deal with every day. Often emotional abuse can escalate to verbal clashes, and, ultimately, physical abuse. Defining Legal Domestic Violence Domestic violence appears in many forms, each of which can be devastating. According to Florida law, domestic violence is defined as actions including:… Read More »
Domestic Violence in Rural Communities
Domestic violence (DV) is a serious problem no matter where it occurs. In rural communities, the physical isolation itself is one of the key characteristics of DV. With roughly 30 percent of people in this country living in rural areas, there are unique challenges facing many residents. Women, for example, often earn less, and… Read More »
Victim Blaming in Intimate Partner Violence Cases
You’ve suffered abuse at the hands of someone who claims to care about you. It doesn’t matter if it’s the person you’re married to, someone you’re dating, or someone from your past: if an intimate partner harms you, it is domestic violence, and domestic violence is a crime. Why then, have you been made… Read More »