About this topic
Domestic violence happens between 2 people in a close relationship. They may be married, dating, close friends or family members. This violence can include several kinds of behavior. You may be physically or emotionally hurt. You may be forced to take part in sex when you do not want to. Other times threats of violence or controlling behaviors are used. ‚
With domestic abuse, the hurtful events may start to happen more often and have more serious injuries. In between, there is often a building of tension until the next time. After an event, the person who has hurt you will often say they are sorry. The person may even make promises that it will not happen again. Other times, the person may blame you for making them upset and blame you for the abuse. This can cause you to feel very confused and question your actions. It is important to know the abuse is NOT your fault. ‚
The most important thing you can do if you or your children are being abused is to make sure you are safe. Go to a safe place like a friend or family members house. Crisis shelters or police stations are other safe places. If possible, take your keys, money, and important papers with you. ‚
General
Domestic violence can happen at any time. It happens to people of all ages, races, incomes, and faiths. Domestic violence can take many forms and may change over time. It is about one person controlling another person. It may start in ways that seem kind, loving, or protective. Later, these behaviors become scary. ‚
Physical abuse ‚
- Using physical force to harm some other person
- The story of how the injury happened may not match the injury.
- The abuser may try to hide the signs of abuse. They may hit you on the back, the belly, or any place covered by clothing.
- This may include:
- Hitting with hands or objects
- Kicking
- Slapping
- Biting
- Punching
- Choking
- A person who has been physically abused may have:
- Burns, bites, or bruises they cannot explain
- Pain any place on the body, often on the arms, legs, or genitals
- Odd ways of moving or walking
- Torn, stained, or bloody clothes or underwear
Sexual abuse ‚
- Forcing some other person to take part in a sexual activity against their will.
- Both men and women can be sexually abused.
- Sexual abuse may include:
- Any kind of body contact that involves kissing and touching
- Anal, oral, or vaginal sex
- Telling a person to take off clothes
- Taking pictures of a person for pornography
- When an adult shows their genitals to a some other person
- Forcing a person to watch sex acts or any form of pornography
- Saying sexual things to a person
- Verbally or physically forcing a person to have sex
- Using people as prostitutes or sex slaves
- A person who has been sexually abused may:
- Have problems sleeping and constant nightmares
- Seem afraid of a certain person or change the way they act toward a certain person
- Become depressed, scared, and anxious
- Avoid or quit their activities
- Have torn, stained, or bloody clothes or underwear
- Have pain, bruising, itching around breasts, vaginal, or anal area
- Have a sexually transmitted disease
- Think or talk about killing themselves
Emotional abuse ‚
- Causes pain and agony to a person, often through constant criticism and putdowns
- Changes the way you think about yourself. You may feel alone, ashamed, and that you have no value.
- Using threats of violence or controlling behaviors is also abuse.
- Controlling access to money, activities, or other people is a form of abuse.
- Emotional abuse may include:
- Shaming a person, often in front of others
- Rejection
- Not showing love, affection, and attention
- Threatening a person
- Making fun of a person
- Threats may also include the other person:
- Threatening to kill or harm themselves if you leave
- Controlling where you go or what you do
- Controlling your finances
- A person who has been emotionally abused or threatened may:
- Feel afraid of the other person much of the time
- Believe they deserve to be mistreated
- Feel helpless
- Believe they cannot do anything right for their partner
- Avoid topics out of fear of making their partner mad
- Skip being around family and friends unless their partner is not with them
What to do if you suspect that a friend or loved one is being abused: ‚
- Let them know the abuse is not their fault.
- Allow them time to talk.
- Respect their choices. There are many reasons why they may stay in their relationship or go back to the person who is hurting them.
- Encourage them to spend time with friends and family members.
- Help them make a safety plan. Talk with them about where they would go in an emergency. Ask what would they take, how would they get there, if they have access to money or important papers.
- Connect them to people who can offer help like a shelter or agency that helps people dealing with abuse.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
- Lower your anxiety
Will physical activity be limited?
If you were physically abused, you may have problems moving the painful part. Rest until the pain goes away. Get medical help right away if you have an injury that needs treatment. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Physical trauma like bruises, cuts, and wounds
- Genital infection or bleeding
- Low mood
- Avoiding family or friends who can help
- Lack of interest in doing things
- Thoughts of hurting yourself
- Low self-esteem
- Suicide
Helpful tips
Try going to a support group for people who have been abused. It may help you learn new ways to cope. Knowing others have had a similar experience and are able to move on may support you. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Psychiatric Association ‚
http://www.psychiatry.org/domestic-violence ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/pdf/IPV_factsheet-a.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚