Domestic violence is often used to describe physical abuse of women by men. Physical abuse ranges from pushing, slapping, punching, hitting, shoving, hair pulling, arm twisting, choking, breaking bones and killing. Acts of violence are designed to control, hurt, and physically harm a partner.
Domestic violence also comes in the form of emotional and verbal abuse. Emotional abuse is intended to degrade, humiliate and demean another person. It is meant to make a person feel bad about themselves and their abilities.
Another abuse that is seldom talked about is social abuse. This is where the abuser enforces social isolation and or social controls over their partner. The victim is not allowed to have social contact with friends and or relatives. The abuser limits what the partner does, whom they see, what they read and where they go or don’t go.
Are you being physically, emotionally, verbally or socially abused? Does your partner make light of the abuse? Are you being controlled by your partner? Do you get intimidated when he looks at you when he’s angry? Does your property get destroyed? Does he display weapons? Are you afraid to leave? Are you made to feel guilty? Does he threaten to take your children away? Have you been bruised, had your bones broken, been bitten, or experienced any other injuries? Are you feeling anxious, depressed or keeping dangerous secrets?
If you answered yes to any of these questions I urge you to call and get help. National Domestic Violence Hotline www.thehotline.org
