Domestic Violence

What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence happens when one person in a relationship exerts control over another through physical or emotional abuse. Other terms for domestic violence are family violence and battering, and its types include partner, spouse, parental or child abuse. Some things to know:

• Between 2 million and 4 million women are injured by domestic violence each year. It the single largest cause of injury to women aged 15 to 44 in the U.S.
• About 2 million children are abused by parents, guardians or others every year.
• Each year about 900,000 parents are beaten or abused by their children
• About 15% of gay men, 11% of lesbians and nearly 8% of heterosexual men are assaulted by a date or partner during their lifetimes.
• About 1 million women and 371,000 men are stalked by their partners every year.

Signs & symptoms
Domestic violence isn't just severe physical abuse. It also includes slapping, pushing, shoving, threats, emotional and economic abuse, isolation, stalking and harassment. It's any behavior used by one person to control or coerce another.

Recognizing victims
Because the people involved usually keep quiet about abuse, and because injuries often are explained as having other causes, it's difficult to know if someone is a victim of domestic violence. Still, there are signs to watch for:

• Recurring severe injuries, especially to the head, neck or chest
• Injuries that don't seem consistent with the explanation of how they happened
• Injury during pregnancy
• Repeated visits to an emergency room or urgent care center
• Avoiding questions about injuries; embarrassment or unconcern about being hurt

Sometimes victims don't realize they're hurt, so even injuries that seem minor should have medical attention. This is also true for a pregnant woman if she's been hit in the stomach. Also, since abusers often hit their victims in the head, victims are vulnerable to closed-head injuries. Immediate medical attention is needed if an abused person shows any of these signs:

• Loss of memory
• Dizziness
• Problems seeing
• Vomiting
• Headache that doesn't go away

Recognizing abusers
Those who batter others use many ways to intimidate and control them. They often try to explain their abusive behavior away, saying it was caused by stress or something the abused person did or didn't do. An abusive person can control others by:

• Keeping tabs on their whereabouts, stalking
• Making harassing phone calls
• Acting jealous of others' attention, real or perceived
• Name-calling or put-downs
• Keeping them away from family or friends
• Refusing to give them money
• Stopping them from getting or keeping a job
• Physically harming them or threatening to
• Sexual assault
• Threatening to commit suicide

Who's at risk?
Domestic violence happens in families of all educational backgrounds, income levels, and cultural heritages. Victims can be any age, race or gender. Those involved may be living together, separated or divorced. The abuser may even barred from contact by a restraining order. Some risk factors:

• Women from 16 to 24 are the most likely to be abused by a partner.
• Separated women are most at risk. The second most vulnerable group is divorced women.

Professional help
If you're a victim of domestic violence, you can't stop your abuser's behavior, but you can get help for yourself. Talk to a friend, family member or spiritual advisor. Tell your doctor or other health professional about the abuse.

Are you always feeling sad or depressed? Learn more about depression.
 
Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.

You also need to know that domestic violence is against the law. The police and the courts can help you stop the abuse.
See a listing of organizations that can help you with domestic violence information, shelters, and more.

What you can do
For yourself
Nobody has to accept being abused, even if the abuser is someone you love. Getting help is a must, especially if children are in danger.

If you're in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Otherwise, there are agencies, advocates and shelters that can help. Get in touch with the police or your church. Call a crisis hotline such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE). Other steps to take:

• Get support from friends and family.
• Ask neighbors to call the police if they see or hear signs of domestic violence.
• Find a safe place to go. Make a plan for getting there when you need to.
• Get medical help for any injuries.
• Consider getting a personal protection order. The police or local state's or district attorney's office can tell you how.

For others
Violence in the family makes victims feel like they're alone with no way out. Be supportive of someone who you believe may be abused. Encourage medical and legal help. Call the police if you see or hear evidence of violence.