Violence and Abuse
There is no justification for violence in any type of relationship. In every case of violence or harm of any kind, the responsibility never lies with the person being harmed.
While some instances of violence are overt and unmistakable, other situations can be confusing. You might find yourself wondering: “Is what I’m experiencing actually violence?” or “Is this behavior, these actions, or these words normal in a relationship?”
Violence is more than physical harm
When we hear the word “violence,” we tend to think of physical hitting or injury. However, violence can manifest in many different forms.
Violence can be verbal, emotional, economic, or sexual. At its core, violence is always an act of exerting power and control through various means. It can be difficult to recognize and acknowledge, especially when it comes from someone we love or trust, someone who is supposed to care for us and protect us.
Violence can occur in any setting
Violence can exist in any relationship, regardless of culture, religion, socio-economic status, age, or education level.
Abusive behavior can happen within the family, between romantic partners, in the workplace, or in educational institutions. Every one of us has the fundamental right to live in safety, with dignity, and in peace.
If you feel you are in danger, please contact emergency hotlines and local emergency services.
Domestic Violence
Sometimes, home, the very place where we should feel safest and most protected, is where we are exposed to harm and violence. Violence of any kind, whether at home or within the family, is never acceptable or justified, and it is never your fault.
Every person has the right to feel safe, supported, loved, and respected within their home and their relationships.
Domestic violence can include various forms of abuse, such as:
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- Emotional abuse
- Physical violence
- Sexual violence
- Economic control
- Technology-based abuse (Cyber violence)
- Child or elder abuse
Domestic violence can occur regardless of gender, age, religion, or nationality. Often, feelings of shame or guilt can make it difficult to seek help or even acknowledge the reality of the situation.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing violence, you can complete this Risk Assessment Questionnaire.
If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency hotlines or local emergency services.
Economic Abuse
Economic abuse is designed to prevent a person from accessing or controlling their own financial resources through threats, manipulation, intimidation, and control. This is often an “invisible” form of abuse that can be difficult to identify from the outside and even within the relationship, it may take time to recognize.
Economic abuse includes one or more of the following behaviors:
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- Denying access to bank accounts or financial resources.
- Withholding credit cards or cash.
- Strict monitoring and demanding a detailed report for every expense.
- Accumulating debts in the victim’s name.
- Preventing the partner from working or earning an independent income.
- Financial exploitation.
In many cases, economic abuse occurs alongside other forms of violence, such as physical, sexual, or verbal abuse. However, even if it is the only form of violence present, its impact can be devastating and long-lasting. Click here to read more on this topic.
What Can You Do?
If you recognize that you are in an abusive relationship, or if you suspect that someone you know is experiencing abuse, it is vital to seek professional help and support as soon as possible rather than trying to handle it alone.
Be aware that when an abusive partner suspects that the person experiencing the abuse intends to leave or make a change, the violence may escalate. For this reason, it is crucial to take these steps with the guidance and support of professionals.
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Self Help Tips
Seeking Immediate Help in High-Risk Situations
If you recognize that you are in a violent relationship, or suspect that someone you know is, it is crucial to seek professional assistance as quickly as possible. Do not try to handle the situation alone. Please contact local support services or emergency resources in your area immediately.
Recognizing the Signs of Violence
It is important to learn how to identify early warning signs of violence, such as: controlling behavior, humiliation, threats, social isolation, or emotional and physical harm. Acknowledging the situation is a vital first step toward breaking the cycle of violence. Remember: You are not to blame. Responsibility always lies solely with the person acting violently.
Building a Support Network
Don’t face violence and fear alone. Reach out and share your experience with people you trust: friends, family, or professionals. You can also contact local helplines anonymously for support and guidance.
Seek Immediate Professional Help in Situations of Risk and Violence
If you recognize that you are in a relationship that involves violence, or suspect that someone you know is in such a relationship, it is important to seek help and assistance from professional sources as quickly as possible and not act alone. Sometimes, when the abusive party realizes or suspects that the person suffering from the violence intends to distance themselves or make a change, this can lead to an escalation in the level of violence.