Within the mental health arena, domestic violence is an experience had by many, either directly or as a witness. Oftentimes, domestic violence is multi-generational. It is a complex issue that involves familial, cultural, religious and social norms, as well as carrying shame and stigma with it.
To set the context for this next series of posts, let’s start by defining domestic violence. Per the Department of Justice, domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior to gain power and control over another. This includes the following types of abuse:
- Emotional
- Physical
- Sexual
- Psychological
- Economic
While anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, it is reported that 95% are female. Domestic violence cuts across all groups, regardless of socio-economic status, language, race, educational level, religion or age. It does not discriminate.
Please note: children exposed to domestic violence (seeing and hearing it) are deemed, by law, as suffering from child abuse, based on the “failure to protect” by their caregivers.
Why don’t you just leave? This is a very common question/judgment that is made about a very complex issue that involves all aspects of the victim’s persona. My goal in the coming posts is to set the framework for how people enter and stay in abusive relationships, as well as what is involved in leaving this type of relationship, without repeating the pattern in the next one.
Through My Mind's Eye 