Domestic Violence Site : Domestic Violence & Crime

Often, when we think of crime, images of psychopathic strangers come to mind. It's hard to believe that the people we intentionally choose to surround ourselves with could become the biggest assaulters of all. What may begin as a seemingly "normal" cycle of arguing and making up, can quickly spiral into increasingly escalating physical violence like shoving, slapping, choking, kicking, biting or punching. In addition to the obvious signs of domestic violence, there may be verbal threats against you, your children or your pets, or threats involving suicide and weapons. There may be economic threats involved, where a partner sabotages your job or takes your paychecks. There may also be forced sexual activity, nasty remarks or forced isolation from one's friends and family.

Physical abuse is the most common definition of domestic violence crime. Behaviors range from hitting, grabbing and choking to throwing things or assaulting with a weapon. According to a Center for Disease Control study, individuals who were victims of intimate partner violence were three times more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease, more than twice as likely to smoke and binge drink and were more likely to have arthritis, high blood pressure and a disability later in life. It's important to remember that even if the violence occurs in one's own home, the police have the power and authority to protect you from an attack. Additionally, they will be able to find you a temporary place to stay if you need one.

Emotional abuse is the vehicle that assaulters use to continue their cycle of violence. By psychologically degrading their partner, these rapists and bullies can remove all self-worth and independence, instill a sense of guilt and fear, as well as create a scenario where the victim loses all contact with friends and family. Victims often feel like there is no way out. Oprah Winfrey once said that a man who can call his partner such deplorable and degrading names is just one step away from a physical crime.

If you are a victim of intimate partner crime, then first you must call the police. The officers can protect you, help you and your children leave safely, can arrest the assaulter or order a restraining order if necessary. Next, tell your supportive family and friends what's going on and find a safe haven. If you need medical attention, then be sure you seek it. Memory loss, dizziness, loss of eye sight, throwing up and persistent headaches could be warning signs of serious injury. By developing a safety plan, you can prevent future violence against you and your children.

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Today's Tip On Domestic Violence

Do you feel trapped by a pattern of victimization? Perhaps you were molested as a child by someone you knew, an event you'd rather forget. Later, in college, you were taken advantage of by your date when you passed out in a drunken stupor. Now, you're in a relationship where your partner calls you names, phones you constantly at work and gets irrationally angry all the time. There are many resources for victims of domestic violence in America. While it may seem like a personal matter, it's moreover a matter of your personal safety. Every year, there are more than one million violent acts against women and 30% of all female murders are committed by lovers or former lovers.