10/25/2020
Let’s stand up for survivors as October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month.
Every October let us all rededicate ourselves to breaking the cycle.
* Domestic violence affects both men and women, and crosses racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, gender, class and economic boundaries.
* Remember it is not just physical violence where you see a black eye or a bruise. There is much more to this pandemic that is world wide.
* Domestic violence entails physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
* Domestic violence or intimate partner violence can have devastating effects on mental health.
* The effects range from mood disturbances, depression, impaired sense of self, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, anxiety, hopelessness, sadness, alcohol and drug abuse, and difficulties exiting the relationship.
* Often society doubts the victims, as victims have been silenced by a lack of understanding of their experiences.
* There is a great deal of shame in the abusive relationship. The victim’s sense of shame heightens their inadequacy, as many believe that abuse symbolizes their failure in achieving intimate, romantic, and familial ideals and dreams.
* A lack of courage, an overarching fear of the outside world, doubting their abilities, and a lack of a strong support system add to remaining in abusive relationships.
* Often clinicians and other professionals due to lack of awareness don’t quite understand why victims choose to remain or return to abusive relationships. It raises a very common question, “Why didn’t you just leave?”
Speaking to a professional can often open up avenues for exiting a damaging relationship.
Visit us at https:www.palmbeachcounselingcenter.com
Free consultation for victims of domestic violence.
