What Is Domestic Violence?

Disclaimer: Blogs are a great place to get helpful information but they should never replace mental healthcare and this blog is no exception. These blog posts do not replace mental health care and are not medical advice.

First and foremost, abuse is not love. Control is not love.

Domestic violence takes various forms and can impact individuals of any age, gender, socioeconomic background, or ethnicity.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to gain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. These behaviors can manifest in physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse.

Domestic violence not only impacts the person being abused, but also greatly impacts children who may witness the abuse.

Forms of Domestic Violence can be:

• Physical Abuse: Physical violence involves the use of force, resulting in bodily harm, injury, or impairment. This may include hitting, slapping, kicking, or any form of physical aggression.

• Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Emotional abuse aims to undermine an individual's self-esteem and confidence. It includes constant criticism, humiliation, intimidation, and manipulation to exert control.

• Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves coercive or non-consensual sexual activities. This can range from unwanted touching to forced intercourse, all of which violate the autonomy and dignity of the victim.

• Financial Abuse: Financial abuse is a form of control where the abuser restricts access to financial resources, sabotages employment or education opportunities, and creates dependency.

• Digital Abuse: With the rise of technology, digital abuse has become more prevalent. This includes the use of technology to stalk, harass, or control a partner, such as through constant monitoring or the sharing of explicit content without consent.

If you or someone you know is currently in a relationship with someone who is abusing them, please call the national hotline for domestic violence (800) 700-7233 You may also use this directory to find resources near you.

Wishing you the best,

Carmelita Aufdemberge