The United States Department of Justice, or DOJ, defines domestic violence as a pattern of abuse in a relationship that one partner uses to control another partner. The National Violence Against Women Survey, published in 2001, found that 22.1 percent of surveyed women and 7.4 percent of surveyed men reported being assaulted by a partner in their lifetime. Although women are more likely to be abused, domestic violence can affect anyone of any age, race or economic class.
Types
Domestic violence is any action or threat that influences another person, according to the DOJ. This includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or economic abuse. Hitting, shoving, biting and grabbing are forms of physical abuse, as are denying medical attention to an injured partner and forcing consumption of drugs or alcohol. Emotional abusers use criticism and name-calling to undermine self-esteem. Psychological abuse causes fear through threats and intimidation. Sexual abuse includes all forced or coerced sexual contact. Withholding access to money, forbidding a partner to work and maintaining total control over finances are forms of economic abuse.
Risk Factors
Although domestic violence can happen to anyone, the CDC recognizes several factors that increase the risk of becoming abusive or abused. Individual risk factors include low self-esteem, low income, young age, antisocial or borderline personality disorders, depression, heavy drug or alcohol use and a history of violence. Relationship factors include marital conflicts, money difficulties and divorce or separation. Those who live in an area where neighbors are less likely to intervene also face a higher risk.
Early Warning Signs
The American Psychiatric Association explains that abusers are often protective and attentive in ways that seem romantic in the beginning but become frightening over time. Incidents are usually isolated at first and the abuser expresses remorse or tries to rationalize the abuse. Early warning signs include a partner that insists on spending all his time with you; claiming that you only need each other; attempts to isolate you from your family and friends; jealousy at any real or imagined attention from others; and over-sensitive reactions to minor slights.
Effects
Domestic violence has physical, mental and social consequences. The CDC explains that in 2003, domestic violence cost over $8.3 billion in medical and mental health care and lost productivity. This estimate does not include criminal justice costs. In 2005, 1,181 women and 329 men died from abuse. Abuse can cause long-term physical and psychological complications, such as pregnancy difficulties, heart conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, anxiety disorder, depression and fear of intimacy. Victims of domestic abuse are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol or engage in risky sexual behaviors.
Prevention/Solution
If you suspect someone you know is being abused, say something. Helpguide.org recommends starting by voicing your concerns and asking her if anything is wrong. She may be reluctant to talk at first, but let her know that you are always willing to listen and offer help without pressure or judgment. If you are being abused, tell someone you trust. When you are ready to leave, your doctor or counselor can guide you to resources that can help you safely escape and start a new life. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. They are available 24 hours a day.
References
- United States Department of Justice: Office on Violence Against Women
- United States Department of Justice: Full Report on the Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Abuse Against Women
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Intimate Partner Violence: Risk and Protective Factors
- American Psychiatric Association: Domestic Violence
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Intimate Partner Violence Consequences
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