Domestic Violence

All couples experience differences of opinion and arguing. For some couples, arguing may escalate to yelling or shouting and, at times, to physical altercations. Violence such as this can result in injury and long lasting emotional damage. It is difficult to know how common domestic violence occurs, because people often avoid reporting due to embarrassment or shame. There is no typical victim. Domestic violence happens among people of all ages. It affects those of all levels of income and education. Couples therapy, focusing on communication and conflict resolution can help reduce this problem, often times in conjunction with individual therapy.

Facts about Domestic Violence

According to DoSomething.org:

• Domestic/dating violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors that one partner uses to get power over the other. Including: physical violence or threat of physical violence to get control, emotional or mental abuse and sexual abuse.
• 85% of domestic violence victims are women.
• 1/4 of women worldwide will experience domestic/dating violence in their lifetime. Women between the ages of 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.
• Domestic violence is most likely to take place between 6 pm and 6 am.
• The costs of domestic violence amount to more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies.
• As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy.
• Boys who witness domestic violence are 2 times as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
• 1/2 of all homeless women and children in the U.S. are fleeing from domestic violence.
• In 60% to 80% of intimate partner homicides, no matter which partner was killed, the man physically abused the woman before the murder.

Signs of Domestic Violence

Based on Break the Cycle:

• Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Constant belittling or put-downs
• Explosive temper
• Isolation from family and friends
• Making false accusations
• Constant mood swings towards you
• Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling someone what to do
• Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex

Psychiatrists & Therapists specializing in Domestic Violence:

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