What Qualifies As Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, mental, and sexual abuse. It can also include stalking, isolation, intimidation, and a host of other unhealthy behaviors. The experience is unfortunately common—with more than 10 million people falling victim to physical abuse each year. 

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior, not an isolated event. And for both perpetrators and victims, it involves a cycle of abusive behaviors. Often, after an incident of verbal or physical abuse, there is a “honeymoon” phase in which the relationship begins to feel good again and the abuser may try their best to improve their behavior.

If you are trying to determine whether you are in an abusive relationship, there are certain warning signs to watch out for. The “Power and Control Wheel” is a frequently used diagram that illustrates the subtle and continuous behaviors of abusive individuals. According to this diagram, some of the hallmarks of domestic violence include:

  • Threatening to do something to hurt the victim (like threatening to leave, cause harm, or report the victim to welfare).
  • Intimidating the victim by smashing belongings, displaying a weapon, or hurting a pet.
  • Emotionally abusing the victim by embarrassing them, calling them names, or gaslighting them.
  • Using isolation tactics such as limiting what the victim reads, who they talk to, and where they go.
  • Making light of the abuse and/or shifting responsibility for the abusive behavior.
  • Threatening to take away children or making the victim feel guilty about the children.
  • Treating the victim like a servant and/or not allowing the victim to make important decisions. 
  • Taking the victim’s money, giving them an allowance, and/or not allowing them to have access to family funds.

Of course, abusive relationships are complex and unique to the individuals within them. But if these warning signs sound familiar to you, it could be time to seek additional support. Our counselor is here to discuss these controlling behaviors and help you find healthy ways to break the cycle.
 

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Therapists

These are our therapists who are experienced in working with Domestic Violence.

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