What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other. Abusive relationships are all about power and control and, when the abuser begins to feel that they are losing control over the victim, violence may begin to escalate and become more frequent.
"Overcoming Domestic Violence is not easy but, with a great therapist and supportive friends, its doable."
While the goal is always to provide encouragement, we don't ever want to give the unrealistic expectation that recovering from Domestic Violence is easy because it isn't. There will be memories, behaviors and sometimes physical and emotional scars left behind as reminders of the abuse that you endured. While we are unable to get rid of our memories and scars, we ARE able to control how we deal with and manage them.
Therapy is always recommended for individuals who have suffered any type of trauma or abuse. You cannot do this alone. It may also be beneficial to develop "safety nets" that you can call when your therapist is unavailable. Your safety net can be anyone that you are comfortable confiding in whether its a friend, family member, co-worker, or religious figure. Most of all, remember that you are human. Allow yourself to feel and remember that everything you are feeling IS NORMAL. You are not alone.
PODCAST recordings/Listening Material
**Click links below for more information on streaming platforms & how you can listen to episodes.**
