Domestic Violence Counseling For Victim and Abuser

Domestic violence counseling and domestic violence therapy represent powerful tools for helping victims of domestic violence get to safety and heal. Abused adults and children both need domestic violence counseling in order to move past their traumatic experiences. Left untreated, physically and emotionally abused children carry the emotional and physical scars of the abuse into adulthood. When this type of trauma is left to itself, it may manifest in adulthood in the form of lost jobs, broken relationships, substance abuse, and other unhealthy behavior.

What Is Domestic Abuse Counseling?

Domestic abuse counseling frequently refers to multiservice community agencies that provide advocacy and intervention services for women and families. These services provide emergency shelter and safe homes (battered women shelters), support groups, legal counseling, and various advocacy services for victims of domestic abuse. The services they offer can mean the difference between despair and hope and even life or death in some cases. They are in place to provide emergency help and advocacy counseling in crisis situations, not as long-term solutions. While some community centers may have licensed therapists on-hand to provide therapy for adults and children, most do not.

Benefits of Domestic Violence Therapy

Both the victim and the perpetrator of domestic violence can benefit from domestic violence therapy. Victims of domestic abuse can visit a licensed therapist to learn how to cope with the emotional trauma that's often left behind even after they've left an abusive relationship. Abuse victims, still in the abusive environment, can get help with building up their self-esteem and recognizing abuse in their relationship through therapy. (Take the Domestic Violence Screening Test)

The idea is to help them become strong enough to leave the situation. Victim domestic abuse therapy addresses familial history and early childhood relationships that may have made them more likely to enter into and stay in an abusive intimate relationship. (Why Victims of Domestic Violence Stay in Abusive Relationships) For example, abused children may grow up to become abusers themselves or become victims of abuse.

Abusers may benefit from domestic abuse therapy by learning how to recognize triggers, manage anger, and stop blaming others for their failures and shortcomings. Certain types of therapy can help abusers investigate childhood events and situations that contributed to their violent behavior as adults.

Although some therapists offer joint programs for the abuser and victim, this practice is the subject of intense debate and controversy, as many believe it can put the victim in grave danger. The only type of treatment for abusers, currently supported by research, involves batterer intervention programs that address all types of domestic violence.

Abused children, or children who have witnessed abuse, will benefit greatly from domestic abuse counseling and therapy. A therapist who specializes in treating child victims of domestic violence will use play therapy, games, and trust building activities to help children rebuild their self-perceptions and their trust of adults.

Finding Domestic Violence Counseling and Therapy

People can find domestic violence counseling and therapy by calling their local women's shelter, by visiting a community mental health center, by calling their county psychological association or local United Way. These organizations will have domestic violence help resources to share with you, including phone numbers for nearby counselors and therapists specializing in domestic violence. There are also many online directories with listings of therapists by state. If you know a friend who sees a therapist or attends counseling for any reason (not necessarily domestic abuse therapy), have them ask their counselor to share the phone numbers of domestic violence counselors or licensed therapists in the area.

article references

Child Abuse Information

What is Child Abuse? Child Abuse Definition

¹Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 2010:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm10/cm10.pdf

²Administration for Children and Families, What is Child Abuse and Neglect: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm

³Center for Early Education and Development, What's the Difference Between Discipline and Punishment?
http://www.cehd.umn.edu/CEED/publications/questionsaboutkids/disciplineenglish.pdf

Laws on Child Abuse

¹Administration for Children and Families, What is Child Abuse and Neglect:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm

²USA Today, Mandatory Abuse-Report Laws:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-02/unreported-child-abuse/51981108/1

³Wikipedia, Child Sexual Abuse Laws in the United States:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_sexual_abuse_laws_in_the_United_States

How to Report Child Abuse

¹USA Today, Mandatory Abuse-Report Laws:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-02/unreported-child-abuse/51981108/1

²Administration for Children and Families, Penalties for Failure to Report and False Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect: Summary of State Laws: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/report.cfm

³Administration for Children and Families, How to Report Suspected Child Maltreatment:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/responding/how.cfm

⁴Administration for Children and Families, Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect: Summary of State Laws: http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm

⁵Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 2010: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm10/cm10.pdf

Child Abuse Prevention. How to Stop Child Abuse

¹Sue Gerhardt, Why Love Matters : How Affection Shapes a Baby's Brain:
http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?rpp=10&upp=0&m=1&w=+NATIVE%28%27recno%3D55113%27%29&r=1

²Administration for Children and Families, Nurturing and Attachment:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/can/factors/nurture_attach.cfm

³Administration for Children and Families, Knowledge of Parenting and of Child and Youth Development:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/can/factors/knowledge.cfm

⁴Administration for Children and Families, Parental Resiliance http://www.childwelfare.gov/can/factors/resilience.cfm

⁵Administration for Children and Families, Social Connections: http://www.childwelfare.gov/can/factors/social_connect.cfm

⁶Administration for Children and Families, Concrete Support for Parents:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/can/factors/concrete_supports.cfm

⁷Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment Prevention: Past, Present, and Future:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/issue_briefs/cm_prevention.pdf

⁸Prevent Child Abuse America, Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse:
http://www.preventchildabuse.org/publications/All_of_Us/downloads/ten_ways_to_prevent.pdf

Child Abuse Help: How to Help an Abused Child

¹Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 2010: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm10/cm10.pdf

²Canadian Resource Centers for Victims of Crime, Child Abuse, How to Help Victims:
http://www.crcvc.ca/docs/child_abuse.pdf

Child Abuse Statistics and Facts

• Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 2010:
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm10/cm10.pdf#page=129

What is Child Neglect?

¹Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 2010: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm10/cm10.pdf
²Administration for Children and Families, What is Child Abuse and Neglect: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm

Signs of Child Neglect and How to Report Child Neglect

¹Administration for Children and Families, Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm

²Child Abuse Prevention Website, Possible Indicators of Neglect:
http://www.safekidsbc.ca/neglect.htm

Child Physical Abuse

What is Child Physical Abuse? Physical Abuse of Children

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Signs of Child Physical Abuse

• Child Physical Abuse. (n.d.). American Humane Association | Home. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from
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• Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms. (n.d.). Child Welfare Information Gateway. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from
  http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm

Effects of Child Physical Abuse

• Child Abuse - The Hidden Bruises | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (n.d.). American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved April 28, 2012, from
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• Immediate Effects of Child Abuse | Childhelp. (n.d.). Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse | Childhelp. Retrieved April 28, 2012, from
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• •Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect. (n.d.). Child Welfare Information Gateway. Retrieved April 28, 2012, from
  http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/long_term_consequences.cfm

Healing from Child Physical Abuse

• Child Abuse - The Hidden Bruises | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (n.d.). American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from
  http://aacap.org/page.ww?name=Child+Abuse+-+The+Hidden+Bruises§ion=Facts+for+Families
• Child abuse - physical: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from
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• Stages of Recovery for Child Abuse. (n.d.). HALT. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from
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Physically Abused Children: Who Would Hurt A Child?

• Chapter Five: What Factors Contribute to Child Abuse and Neglect?. (n.d.). Child Welfare Information Gateway. Retrieved May 1, 2012, from
  http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm
• Jasmer, Â. R. (n.d.). Medical News: Physical Child Abuse Sends Thousands to Hospitals - in Pediatrics, Domestic Violence from MedPage Today. Medical News and Free CME from MedPage Today. Retrieved May 1, 2012, from
  http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/DomesticViolence/31022

Child Psychological Abuse

What is Psychological Abuse of a Child?

Sources:

• Administration for Children and Families
• National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect

 Effects of Psychological Abuse on Children's Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Sources:

• Administration for Children and Families
• National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
• National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect

Treatment for Psychological Abuse of Child

Sources:

• Administration for Children and Families
• National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
• Dunning, Lisa MA, MFT, Psychological Effects of Child Abuse
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Sexual Abuse

What is Child Sexual Abuse?

¹Administration for Children and Families – Child Welfare Information Gateway, Definitions, Scope and Effects of Child Abuse: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/sexabuse/sexabuseb.cfm

²United States Department of Veteran Affairs, Child Sexual Abuse: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/child-sexual-abuse.asp

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

¹MedlinePlus, Child Abuse – Sexual: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007224.htm

²Canadian Center for Child Protection, Child Sexual Abuse – It Is Your Business:
http://www.protectchildren.ca/pdfs/itsyourbusiness_en.pdf

How to Report Child Sexual Abuse

¹Canadian Center for Child Protection, Child Sexual Abuse – It Is Your Business: http://www.protectchildren.ca/pdfs/itsyourbusiness_en.pdf

Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse. Sexual Abuse Recovery

¹Jim Hopper Ph. D., Child Abuse – Statistics, Research, and Resources:
http://www.jimhopper.com/abstats/#help

Victims of Sexual Abuse: Do They Ever Get Over It?

¹Administration for Children and Families – Child Welfare Information Gateway, Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/sexabuse/sexabusef.cfm

²Safe Horizon, After Sexual Assault:
http://www.safehorizon.org/images/uploads/misc/1272296041_After_Sexual_Assault_Bklt.pdf

Sexual Abuse Help: Where to Find It

¹Health Canada, Child Sexual Abuse: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H72-22-2-1997E.pdf

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse on Children

¹Canadian Center for Child Protection, Child Sexual Abuse – It Is Your Business:  http://www.protectchildren.ca/pdfs/itsyourbusiness_en.pdf

I Was Molested As a Child – Child Actors, Celebrities Speak Out

¹DailyTop10, Top 10 Celebrities Who Suffered Child Abuse: http://www.dailytop10.net/top-10-celebrities-who-suffered-child-abuse/

²Hollywood Life, Ashley Judd: I Was Sexually Abused Repeatedly As a Child and Almost Killed Myself:
http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2011/04/05/ashley-judd-sexually-abused-as-child-book-all-that-is-bitter-and-sweet/?v02

³MSNBC Today, 'Housewives' star Hatcher reveals sex abuse:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/11717426/ns/today-entertainment/t/housewives-star-hatcher-reveals-sex-abuse/#.T6BanzVVGuI

⁴ABC News, Mo'Nique, Gabriel Byrne Shine Light on Sex Abuse:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/monique-gabriel-byrne-celebrities-speak-out-sex-abuse/story?id=9615958#.T6BdHTVVGuI

How to Protect Your Children from Child Predators

¹Canadian Center for Child Protection, Child Sexual Abuse – It Is Your Business:
http://www.protectchildren.ca/pdfs/itsyourbusiness_en.pdf

Why Are Children Sexually Abused?

¹Administration for Children and Families, Child Information Gateway, Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/sexabuse/sexabusef.cfm

Sexual Abusers - Who are These Child Abusers?

¹Department of Veteran Affairs, National Center for PTSD, Child Sexual Abuse:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/child-sexual-abuse.asp

²The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Child Sexual Abuse:
http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H72-22-2-1997E.pdf

³The National Center for the Victims of Crime, Child Sexual Abuse:
http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32315#9

⁴Medscape Reference, Child Sexual Abuse: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/915841

Child Sexual Abuse Statistics

¹Canadian Center for Child Protection, Child Sexual Abuse – It's Your Business:
http://www.protectchildren.ca/pdfs/itsyourbusiness_en.pdf

²ChildHelp, Child Sexual Abuse Statistics:
http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics

³The National Center for the Victims of Crime, Child Sexual Abuse:
http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32315#9

⁴Administration for Children and Families, Child Welfare Information Gateway, Definitions, Scope and Effects of Child Sexual Abuse: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/sexabuse/sexabuseb.cfm

⁵The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Child Sexual Abuse:
http://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/H72-22-2-1997E.pdf

⁶Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD, Child Sexual Abuse:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/child-sexual-abuse.asp

Bullies

Why Children Get Bullied and Rejected

Source: Livescience

The Impact of Bullying

1. Egan, S.K. and Perry, D.G. (1998). Does low self-regard invite victimization? Developmental Psychology, 34, 299-309.

2. Hodges, E.V.E. and Perry, D.G. (1999). Personal and interpersonal antecedents and consequences of victimization by peers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76, 677-685.

3. Rigby, K. (2001). Health consequences of bullying and its prevention in schools. In J. Juvonen and S. Graham, eds. Peer Harassment in School: The Plight of the Vulnerable and Victimized. New York, New York: Guilford Press.

4. Olweus D. (1994). Bullying at school: long-term outcomes for the victims and an effective school-based intervention program. In: L.R. Huesmann, ed. Aggressive Behavior: Current Perspectives. New York, New York: Plenum Press, 97-130.

5. Hoover, J.H., Oliver, R., and Hazler, R.J. (1992). Bullying: Perceptions of adolescent victims in Midwestern USA. School Psychology International, 13, 5-16.

6. Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, Inc., 43-44.

7. Salmivalli, C. (2001). Group view on victimization: Empirical findings and their implications. In J. Juvonen and S. Graham, eds. Peer Harassment in School: The Plight of the Vulnerable and Victimized. New York, New York: Guilford Press.

8. Nansel, T.R., Overpeck, M., Pilla, R.S., Ruan, W.J., Simons-Morton, B., and Scheidt, P. (2001). Bullying behaviors among U.S. youth: Prevalence and association with psychosocial adjustment. Journal of the American Medical Association, 285(16), 2094-2100.

What To Do If You Are Being Bullied

Source: The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center

How to Help Your Child Stop Bullying

Sources: Kidshealth, The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center

Adult Abuse Issues

Abuse Information

What is Abuse?

¹The Free Dictionary, Abuse:
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/abuse

²MedscapeReference, Domestic Violence:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805546

³Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 2010:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm10/cm10.pdf

Types of Abuse: What are the Different Forms of Abuse?

¹Changing Ways, Types of Abuse:
http://www.changingways.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=98&Itemid=75

Adult Physical Abuse

What is Physical Abuse?

¹New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Definitions of Adult Abuse:
http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/psa/adultabuse.asp

²Woman Abuse and the PEI Justice System Research Team, Fact Sheets: Physical Abuse:
http://fvps.ca/womanabuseresearch/factsheet5.pdf

Signs of Physical Abuse, Physically Abused Adults

¹Medscape Reference, Domestic Violence: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805546

²Mayo Clinic, Domestic Violence Against Women: Recognize Patterns, Seek Help:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence/WO00044

Effects of Physical Abuse, Pictures of Physical Abuse

¹An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection, Long Term Effects of Domestic Violence:
http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/effects.shtml

²Medscape Reference, Domestic Violence: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805546

³Woman Abuse and the PEI Justice System Research Team, Fact Sheets: Physical Abuse:
http://fvps.ca/womanabuseresearch/factsheet5.pdf

Women Abuse: Why Some Men Abuse Women

¹Harvard University Gazette, Why Do Men Abuse Women? http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/1996/05.02/WhyDoMenAbuseWo.html

²MedscapeReference, Domestic Violence: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805546

Physical and Emotional Abuse Usually Travel Together

¹HelpGuide.org, Domestic Abuse and Violence:
http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

Facts and Statistics on Physical Abuse

¹MedscapeReference, Domestic Violence: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805546

Psychological Emotional Abuse

Psychological Abuse: Definition, Signs and Symptoms

¹Administration for Children and Families, What is Child Abuse and Neglect:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm

²Vancouver Coastal Health, About Adult Abuse and Neglect: http://www.vchreact.ca/read_psychological.htm

³Verbal Abuse in Relationships Blog, Examples of Verbal Abuse:
http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/verbalabuseinrelationships/2011/09/examples-of-verbal-abuse

Psychologically Abusive Relationships: Are You in One?

¹Psychology Today, Emotional Abuse Violates Civil Rights:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/201002/emotional-abuse-violates-civil-rights

²Verbal Abuse in Relationships Blog, Examples of Verbal Abuse:
http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/verbalabuseinrelationships/2011/09/examples-of-verbal-abuse

Emotional and Mental Abuse in Children and Adults

¹Administration for Children and Families, What is Child Abuse and Neglect:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm

²HelpGuide.org, Child Abuse and Neglect: http://helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

³HealthGuide.org, Domestic Violence and Abuse:
http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

Emotional Abuse: Definitions, Signs, Symptoms, Examples

¹Vancouver Coastal Health, About Adult Abuse and Neglect: http://www.vchreact.ca/read_psychological.htm

²HelpGuide.org, Domestic Violence and Abuse:
http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

Emotional Abuse Test: Am I Emotionally Abused?

• Emotional abuse test adapted from Domestic Abuse and Violence by HealthGuide.org.
  http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

Emotional Abuse of Men: Men Victims of Emotional Abuse Too

¹Oregon Counselling, About Domestic Violence Against Men: http://www.oregoncounseling.org/Handouts/DomesticViolenceMen.htm

²1in3.com, Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.oneinthree.com.au/faqs/

Dynamics of Emotional Abuse in Relationships, Marriage

¹HelpGuide.org, Domestic Violence and Abuse:
http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

Emotionally Abusive Men and Women: Who Are They?

¹There is Life After Abuse, Characteristics of Abusers/Abuse and Causes: http://www.thereislifeafterabuse.com/Page8.html

²Medscape Reference, Personality Disorders: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294307-overview

Emotional Bullying and How to Deal with an Emotional Bully

¹Pioneer Thinking, I'm Rubber and You're Glue: Handling Emotional Bullies: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ej_rubber.html

²A Shrink for Men, 10 Signs Your Girlfriend or Wife is an Emotional Bully:
http://shrink4men.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/10-signs-your-girlfriend-or-wife-is-an-emotional-bully/

Effects of Emotional Abuse on Adults

¹Thisiswar.com, Emotional Abuse: http://www.thisisawar.com/AbuseEmotional.htm

²A Shrink for Men, 10 Signs Your Girlfriend or Wife is an Emotional Bully:
http://shrink4men.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/10-signs-your-girlfriend-or-wife-is-an-emotional-bully/

Dealing with Emotional Abuse: How to Stop Emotional Abuse

¹Pioneer Thinking, I'm Rubber and You're Glue: Handling Emotional Bullies: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ej_rubber.html

²Thisiswar.com, Emotional Abuse: http://www.thisisawar.com/AbuseEmotional.htm

Emotional Abuse Help, Support and Recovery

¹Counselling Abuse Directory, Emotional Abuse: http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/mental.html

Emotional Abuse Treatment and Therapy

¹Psychology Today, Emotional Abuse: Why Your Individual Therapy Didn't Help and Your Partner's Made it Worse:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/200905/emotional-abuse-why-your-individual-therapy-didnt-help-and-

²GoodTherapy.org, Emotional Abuse: http://www.goodtherapy.org/therapy-for-emotional-abuse.html

Gaslighting Definition, Techniques and Being Gaslighted

¹Helium, Gaslighting: The extremes of emotional abuse:
http://www.helium.com/items/110746-gaslighting-the-extremes-of-emotional-abuse

²Psychology Today, Are You Being Gaslighted?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/power-in-relationships/200905/are-you-being-gaslighted

The Silent Treatment: Are You Getting the Cold Shoulder?

¹Anger Management Resource, The Silent Treatment – It Might Hurt Worse Than Anger:
http://www.angermanagementresource.com/silent-treatment.html

²Life and Therapy, Dealing with the Silent Treatment: http://elyntromey.com/therapyblog/?p=78

Teenage Dating Violence Content

Teenage Dating Violence: Signs, Examples of Dating Violence

¹The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Dating Violence: http://www.acadv.org/dating.html

²Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Dating Violence 101: http://www.teendvmonth.org/dating-violence-101

³VetoViolence, Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention

Teenage Dating Abuse: How to Deal with It

¹VetoViolence, Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention

²Love is respect .org, Should We Break Up?: http://www.loveisrespect.org/get-help/should-we-break-up

Domestic Violence

Physically Abused? Where to Get Help for Physical Abuse

• Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Healthyminds. Retrieved May 21, 2012, fro
  http://healthyminds.org/Main-Topic/Domestic-Violence.aspx
• Register-Guard, l. T. (n.d.). Domestic Violence legal definition of Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence synonyms by the Free Online Law Dictionary. Legal Dictionary. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from
  http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Domestic+Violence

Domestic Violence Laws and Charges of Domestic Abuse

• Common Legal Terms. (n.d.). Family Violence Law Center | A Future Without Domestic Violence. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from
  http://fvlc.org/learn/know-the-law/common-legal-terms/
• The Federal Domestic Violence Laws and the Enforcement of These Laws - MINCAVA Electronic Clearinghouse. (n.d.). MINCAVA Electronic Clearinghouse. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from
  http://www.mincava.umn.edu/documents/ffc/chapter5/chapter5.html#id678899
• USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women. (n.d.). USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from
  http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/

Types of Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse

• Domestic Violence - Types of Domestic Abuse : Crime Victims Services - Arizona Department of Public Safety. (n.d.). Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), Arizona Highway Patrol - State of Arizona. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from
  http://www.azdps.gov/Services/Crime_Victims/domestic/types/
• Types of Abuse - The Four Types of Domestic Abuse. (n.d.). Crime and Punishment Home Page. Retrieved May 21, 2012, from
  http://crime.about.com/od/v_domviolence/a/abuse_types.htm

Signs of Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse

• Domestic Violence and Abuse: Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships. (n.d.). Helpguide. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from
  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm
• Domestic Violence-Signs of Domestic Violence. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from
  http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/domestic-violence-signs-of-domestic-violence

Causes of Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse

• Domestic Violence and Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects. (n.d.). American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from
  http://www.aaets.org/article144.htm
• Hobbs, B. (n.d.). Examining Causes of Domestic Violence . The Connection Newspapers. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from
  http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2012/mar/09/examining-causes-domestic-violence/
• The Future of Children -. (n.d.). Princeton University - Welcome. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from
  http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=47&articleid=228§ionid=1495

Victims of Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse and Why They Stay?

• Domestic Violence-Why Victims Stay. (n.d.). WebMD. Retrieved May 24, 2012, from
  http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/domestic-violence-why-victims-stay
• Domestic Violence: Reasons Why Battered Victims Stay With the Batterers - official website of THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT. (n.d.). official website of THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from
  http://www.lapdonline.org/get_informed/content_basic_view/8877

Effects of Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse (On women and Children)

• The National Center for Victims of Crime - Library/Document Viewer . (n.d.). The National Center for Victims of Crime - Home . Retrieved May 31, 2012, from
  http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32347
• Children of Domestic Violence: Risks and Remedies - National CASA - CASA for Children . (n.d.). National CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate Association - CASA for Children: Advocating for Abused and Neglected Children. Retrieved May 31, 2012, from
  http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5525199/k.BE36/Children_of_Domestic_Violence_Risks_and_Remedies.htm
• Children and Domestic Violence: A Bulletin for Professionals . (n.d.). Child Welfare Information Gateway. Retrieved May 31, 2012, from
  http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/domesticviolence.cfm
• Domestic Violence and Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects. (n.d.). American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Retrieved May 31, 2012, from
  http://www.aaets.org/article144.htm

How to Report Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse and Hotlines

• Contact the Hotline - National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). National Domestic Violence Hotline. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.thehotline.org/get-help/contact-the-hotline/
• Help for Abused & Battered Women: Domestic Violence Shelters & Support. (n.d.). Helpguide helps you help yourself to better mental and emotional health. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_help_treatment_prevention.htm
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (n.d.). National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.ncadv.org

Domestic Abuse Help: Domestic Violence Support, Shelters, Groups

• Contact the Hotline - National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). National Domestic Violence Hotline. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.thehotline.org/get-help/contact-the-hotline/
• Domestic Violence Meetup Groups - Domestic Violence Meetups. (n.d.). Domestic Violence Meetup Groups - Domestic Violence Meetups. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://domesviolence.meetup.com/
• Domestic Violence Support Groups | SafeHouse Center - Domestic Violence Services. (n.d.). | SafeHouse Center - Domestic Violence Services. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.safehousecenter.org/find-help-support/domestic-violence-support-groups/
• Help for Abused & Battered Women: Domestic Violence Shelters & Support. (n.d.). Helpguide. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_help_treatment_prevention.htm
• Safe Horizon :: Domestic Violence & Abuse. (n.d.). Safe Horizon : Moving victims of violence from crisis to confidence. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.safehorizon.org/index/what-we-do-2/domestic-violence--abuse-53.html#domestic_violence_shelters

Domestic Violence Safety Plan: How to Create, Implement One

• Help for Abused & Battered Women: Domestic Violence Shelters & Support. (n.d.). Helpguide. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_help_treatment_prevention.htm
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (n.d.). National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.ncadv.org/protectyourself/MyPersonalSafetyPlan.php
• Safety Planning « National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). National Domestic Violence Hotline. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.thehotline.org/get-help/safety-planning/
• Women Against Abuse: Get Help: Planning for Safety. (n.d.). Women Against Abuse: Home. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.womenagainstabuse.org/index.php/get-help/planning-for-safety/

Cycle of Violence and Abuse and How to Break the Cycle of Abuse

• Domestic Violence Against Women: Recognize the patterns, seek help. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence/WO00044
• Domestic Violence and Abuse: Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships. (n.d.). Helpguide. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from
  http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm
• What is Dating Violence? | Break the Cycle. (n.d.). Break the Cycle | Empowering Youth to End Dating Violence. Retrieved June 1, 2012, from http://www.breakthecycle.org/dating-violence-101

Domestic Abusers: Perpetrators of Domestic Violence

• ACADV Abusers: Why Do Abusers Batter? (ACADV). (n.d.). ACADV - Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Home Page. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://www.acadv.org/abusers.html
• T, B. (n.d.). Domestic Abuse -- Why They Do It. Alcoholism - The Alcoholism Home Page. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/abuse/a/990407.htm
• Who Are The Abusers - Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Introduction - Domestic Violence. Retrieved June 2, 2012, from
  http://www.domesticviolence.org/who-are-the-abusers/

Domestic Violence Against Men: Males Victims of Domestic Abuse

•  ASSAULTS BY WOMEN ON THEIR MALE PARTNERS. (n.d.). California State University, Long Beach. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://www.csulb.edu/~mfiebert/assaultsbib.html
• Category. (n.d.). Male Victims of Domestic Abuse. Divorce Support and Advice: Divorce Laws, Child Support, Custody, Divorce Lawyers. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://divorcesupport.about.com/od/abusiverelationships/a/male_abuse.htm
• Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men & Women - About the Domestic Abuse Helpline. (n.d.). Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men & Women . Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://dahmw.org/about-us

Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse Counseling

• Help in Your Area - National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). National Domestic Violence Hotline. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://www.thehotline.org/get-help/help-in-your-area/
• Morris Therapy | Morris Domestic Violence | IL | Institute for Personal Development |. (n.d.). Morris Therapy | Morris Depression | Joliet, IL Depression | Ottawa, IL ADD/ADHD. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://www.ipd.md/domestic-violence/
• National Network to End Domestic Violence | National Network to End Domestic Violence. (n.d.). National Network to End Domestic Violence | National Network to End Domestic Violence. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://www.nnedv.org/
• Recent Trends in Treating Domestic Violence Offenders | PsychologyDegreeGuide.org. (n.d.). Psychology Degree Guide | Search 6000+ Psychology Degree Programs. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from
  http://psychologydegreeguide.org/treating-domestic-violence/

Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

• The National Center for Victims of Crime - Library/Document Viewer. (n.d.). The National Center for Victims of Crime - Home. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from
  http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/main.aspx?dbName=DocumentViewer&DocumentID=32369
• Sexual assault fact sheet | womenshealth.gov. (n.d.). womenshealth.gov . Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/sexual-assault.cfm
• USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women: Crimes of Focus: Sexual Assault. (n.d.). USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/sexassault.htm#sa

Sexually Assaulted? Reporting Sexual Assault

• Garcia, S., M.A.., Henderson, M., & M.P.A.. (n.d.). FBI â€" Options for Reporting Sexual Violence. FBI Homepage. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/May-2010/options-for-reporting-sexual-violence
• Hu, M., Newcomer, E., & Underwood, A. (n.d.). Victims Stay Silent on Sexual Assault | News | The Harvard Crimson. Harvard News | The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2010/4/30/cases-sexual-assault-ad/
• National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1.800.656.HOPE | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (n.d.). RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization.One of America's 100 Best Charities" Worth magazine. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline
• Reporting Sexual Assault - UI Department of Public Safety - The University of Iowa. (n.d.). Home - UI Department of Public Safety - The University of Iowa. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://police.uiowa.edu/be-proactive/reporting-sexual-assault/
• Speaking Out and Reporting Rape | California Women's Law Center. (n.d.). California Women's Law Center | Pursuing Justice for Women and Girls. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.cwlc.org/resources/rape-resource-page/speaking-reporting-rape

Effect of Sexual Assault on Women Sexual Assault Victims

• Women's Sexual Assault Centre | Impact of Sexual Violence. (n.d.). Women's Sexual Assault Centre | Home. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://vwsac.com/impact-of-sv.html
• CDC - National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) - Funded Programs - Violence Prevention - Injury. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/NISVS/index.html
• CDC - National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) - Funded Programs - Violence Prevention - Injury. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/NISVS/index.html
• RABIN, R. C. (n.d.). Nearly 1 in 5 Women in U.S. Survey Report Sexual Assault - NYTimes.com. The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. Retrieved June 19, 2012, from
  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/15/health/nearly-1-in-5-women-in-us-survey-report-sexual-assault.html

Sexual Assault Support: Why You Need It, Where to Find It

• National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1.800.656.HOPE | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (n.d.). RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization.One of America's 100 Best Charities" Worth magazine. Retrieved June 20, 2012, from
  http://www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline
• USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women. (n.d.). USDOJ: Office on Violence Against Women. Retrieved June 20, 2012, from
  http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/

Sexual Assault Treatment: Therapy for Trauma Healing

• Cognitive Processing Therapy for Sexual Assault. (n.d.). Welcome to the Medical University of South Carolina. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from
  http://www.musc.edu/vawprevention/research/savictims.shtml
• Patient information: Care after sexual assault (Beyond the Basics). (n.d.). UpToDate Inc.. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from
  http://www.uptodate.com/contents/care-after-sexual-assault-beyond-the-basics
• Therapy. (n.d.). Sexual Assault Center. Retrieved June 20, 2012, from http://www.sexualassaultcenter.com/web_pages/therapy.htm

Rape

 What is Rape? Was I Raped?

¹Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network, Was I Raped?: http://www.rainn.org/get-information/types-of-sexual-assault/was-it-rape

Rape Law: What Are the Laws Against Rape?

¹Haverford.edu, U. S. C. Title 18 – Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Part I – Crimes, Chapter 109A – Sexual Abuse : http://www.students.haverford.edu/masar/documents/USRapeLaws.pdf

Types of Rape: The Different Forms of Rape

¹United States Department of Health and Human Services, Summary of Current State Laws: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/sr/statelaws/summary.shtml

²Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network, Types of Sexual Violence: http://www.rainn.org/get-information/types-of-sexual-assault

What is Statuary Rape? Statutory Rape Definition and Laws

• Statutory Rape Laws by State. Connecticut General Assembly. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from
  http://www.cga.ct.gov/2003/olrdata/jud/rpt/2003-r-0376.htm
• FBI Changes its Definition of Rape | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (n.d.). RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. One of America's 100 Best Charities" â€"Worth magazine. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from
  http://www.rainn.org/news-room/fbi-changes-rape-definition
• Statutory Rape: A Guide to State Laws and Reporting Requirements: Summary of Current State Laws. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, HHS. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from
  http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/sr/statelaws/summary.shtml

What is Date Rape, Acquaintance Rape?

• Rape and Date Rape. (n.d.). Women's Health Center: Information on Women's Wellness, Nutrition, Fitness, Intimate Questions, and Weight Loss. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from
  http://women.webmd.com/sexual-health-rape-date-rape
• Rape and date rape | GirlsHealth.gov. (n.d.). Health Information for Girls | GirlsHealth.gov. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from
  http://www.girlshealth.gov/safety/saferelationships/daterape.cfm
• about date rape. (n.d.). about date rape. Retrieved June 21, 2012, from http://www.aboutdaterape.nsw.gov.au/whatis/who_commits.html

Date Rape Drugs: Types and How Date Rape Drugs Work

• Ambien (zolpidem) Information from Drugs.com. (n.d.). Drugs.com | Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side Effects. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html
• Category. (n.d.). Date Rape Drugs - What are they and how can you protect yourself?. Teen Advice - Advice and Community For Teens. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aa062502a.htm
• Date Rape Drugs and Alcohol. (n.d.). Kansas State University. Retrieved June 22, 2012, from http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/student/date_rape_drugs.htm

Date Rape Victims and the Effect of Date Rape

• The psychological adjustment of the rape victim. (n.d.). Welcome to South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault. Retrieved June 23, 2012, from http://www.secasa.com.au/sections/for-students/the-psychological-adjustment-of-the-rape-victim/
• UIC Campus Advocacy Network. (n.d.). University of Illinois at Chicago - UIC. Retrieved June 23, 2012, from http://www.uic.edu/depts/owa/sa_emotional.html

Martial Rape, Spousal Rape

¹Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network, Partner Rape: http://www.rainn.org/get-information/types-of-sexual-assault/partner-rape

Reporting Rape: What to Do If You Are Raped?

¹Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network What Should I Do? http://www.rainn.org/get-information/legal-information/what-should-i-do

Rape Recovery: How Do I Get Over Being Raped?

¹Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy and Research, Recovering from Rape: Healing Your Sexuality: http://www.sextx.com/rape.html

²Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, Self-Care for Survivors: http://www.rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/self-care-for-survivors

Rape Therapy: A Treatment for Rape Victims

¹Clinical Psychology Review, Rape Treatment Outcome Research: Empirical Findings and the State of Literature: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2773678/?tool=pubmed

²Medical University of South Carolina, Practice Guidelines: Rape and Sexual Assault: http://www.musc.edu/vawprevention/advocacy/rape.shtml

How to Support a Rape Victim – For Men and Women

¹Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network, Help a Love One: http://www.rainn.org/get-help/help-a-loved-one

²Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy, Education, and Research, Recovering from Rape: Healing Your Sexuality: http://www.sextx.com/rape.html

Effects of Rape: Psychological and Physical Effects of Rape

• Effects of Sexual Assault | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (n.d.). RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. One of America's 100 Best Charities Worth magazine. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.rainn.org/get-information/effects-of-sexual-assault
• Emotional Effects | Adult Sexual Assault Survivors | Support and Counseling | DC Rape Crisis Center. (n.d.). DC Rape Crisis Center. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.dcrcc.org/support_counseling/adult_sexual_assault_survivors/C120/emotional_effects/
• UIC Campus Advocacy Network. (n.d.). University of Illinois at Chicago - UIC. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.uic.edu/depts/owa/sa_emotional.html

Rape Survivors: A Badge of Courage or A Living Hell

• Dealer, J. C. (n.d.). Beyond Rape: Rape Victims & Survivor Stories with The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com . Cleveland OH Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - cleveland.com. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.cleveland.com/beyondrape/
• Rape & Sexual Abuse Survivor Message Board, Support Forums & Chat Room. (n.d.). Rape & Sexual Abuse Survivor Message Board, Support Forums & Chat Room. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.aftersilence.org/
• State Resources | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (n.d.). RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. One of America's 100 Best Charities Worth magazine. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.rainn.org/get-help/local-counseling-centers/state-sexual-assault-resources

Getting Raped: The Stigma of Being A Rape Victim

• News. (n.d.). Covering Crime and Justice -- Journalism Ethics: Columnist Writes of Daughter's Rape. Institute for Justice and Journalism. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.justicejournalism.org/crimeguide/chapter06/sidebars/chap06_xside1.html
• Quinn, R. (n.d.). Stigma of rape | The Post and Courier | Charleston SC, News, Sports, Entertainment. The Post and Courier | Charleston SC, News, Sports, Entertainment. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20110722/ARCHIVES/307229901
• Rivett, B. (n.d.). Challenging the stigma of rape | Women's Views on News. Women's Views on News. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.womensviewsonnews.org/2012/05/challenging-the-stigma-of-rape/

Women Raping Women: Is the Impact Different?

• Rape (sexual assault) - overview: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001955.htm
• Violence and Abuse - Woman-Woman Rape - Our Bodies Ourselves. (n.d.). Information on Women's Health & Sexuality - Our Bodies Ourselves. Retrieved June 27, 2012, from http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=8&compID=95
• What about same sex rape and sexual assault?. (n.d.). Cabrillo College. Retrieved June 12, 1927, from https://www.cabrillo.edu/services/health/pdfs/Add%20back%20to%20Website%202010/Same%20sex%20rape%20and%20assault.pdf

Rape Prevention: How to Prevent Rape

• Rape prevention: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Retrieved June 28, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007461.htm
• Ways to Reduce your Risk of Sexual Assault | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (n.d.). RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization.One of America's 100 Best Charities Worth magazine. Retrieved June 28, 2012, from http://www.rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-prevention

Fear of Rape: Rape Phobia

• Gordon, M. T., & Riger, S. (1989). The female fear. New York: Free Press ;.
• Rape Phobia: Symptoms & Diagnosis. (n.d.). Fear of Public Speaking, Flying, Stage Fright, Phobias: Immediate Help. Retrieved June 29, 2012, from http://www.changethatsrightnow.com/rape-phobia/symptoms/
• Rozee, P. (n.d.). Fear Of Rape. Greenwood Electronic Media. Retrieved June 29, 2012, from http://gem.greenwood.com/wse/wsePrint.jsp?id=id222
• The Offenders | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (n.d.). RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. "One of America's 100 Best Charities" Worth magazine. Retrieved June 29, 2012, from http://rainn.org/get-information/statistics/sexual-assault-offenders

Rape Fantasy: Does It Mean You Want to Be Raped?

• Gumbiner, J., & Ph.D. (n.d.). Women's Rape Fantasies: How Common? What Do They Mean? | Psychology Today. Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. Retrieved June 29, 2012, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-sex/201001/womens-rape-fantasies-how-common-what-do-they-mean
• Hutson, M. (n.d.). Why Do Women Have Erotic Rape Fantasies? | Psychology Today. Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. Retrieved June 29, 2012, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/psyched/200805/why-do-women-have-erotic-rape-fantasies
• Stokes, D. (n.d.). Anatomy of a Rape Fantasy | Daily Gazette. Daily Gazette | Swarthmore College's daily student newspaper. Founded 1997. Retrieved June 29, 2012, from http://daily.swarthmore.edu/2008/11/06/why-do-women-fantasy-rape/

Do Women Enjoy Being Raped? Myths About Rape

• BPS Research Digest: A biological mechanism that protects against rape?. (n.d.). BPS Research Digest. Retrieved June 30, 2012, from http://bps-research-digest.blogspot.com/2011/01/biological-defence-mechanism-against.html
• Rape Myths and Facts | Roger Williams University. (n.d.). Roger Williams University. Retrieved June 30, 2012, from http://rwu.edu/campus-life/health-counseling/counseling-center/sexual-assault/rape-myths-and-fac

Verbal Abuse

What is Verbal Abuse?

• Evans, P. (1996). The verbally abusive relationship. (2 ed.). Holbrook: Adams Media Corporation.
• What is emotional/verbal abuse?. (n.d.). loveisrespect.org. Retrieved July 12, 2012, from http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/what-is-emotional-verbal-abuse/

Verbal Abuse Signs and Symptoms Cause Emotional Pain

• Brennan, W. (2003). Sounding off about verbal abuse. Occupational Health, 55(11), 22-26.
• Evans, P. (2006). The verbally abusive man: Can he change?. (pp. 228-245). Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media.

Verbal and Physical Abuse Often Go Hand-in-Hand

• Evans, P. (1996). The verbally abusive relationship: How to recognize it and how to respond. Holbrook, Mass: Adams Media Corporation.
• What is Domestic Violence?. (n.d.).National Domestic Violence Hotline. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.thehotline.org/get-educated/what-is-domestic-violence/

Effects of Verbal Abuse on Children, Women and Men
¹Coker, A., Smith, P., Bethea, L., King, M., & McKeown, R. (2000). Physical health consequences of physical and psychological intimate partner violence. Archives of Family Medicine, 9(5), 451-457.
²Evans, P. (1996). The verbally abusive relationship. (2 ed.). Holbrook: Adams Media Corporation.
³Hines, D., & Malley-Morrison, K. (2001). Psychological effects of partner abuse against men: a neglected research area. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 2(2), 75-85. Retrieved July 23, 2012, from http://www.fact.on.ca/Info/dom/hines01.htm
⁴Reinert, D., & Edwards, C. (2009). Childhood physical and verbal mistreatment, psychological symptoms, and substance use: sex differences and the moderating role of attachment. Journal of Family Violence, 24, 589-596.
⁵Vissing, Y., Strauss, M., Gelles, R., & Harrop, J. (1991). Verbal aggression by parents and psychosocial problems of children. Child Abuse and Neglect, 15, 223-238.

Verbally Abusive Men and Women: Why Do They Abuse?
¹Are You Abusing Others?. (n.d.).National Domestic Violence Hotline. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/are-you-abusing-2/
²Bancroft, L. (2003). Why does he do that?: Inside the minds of angry and controlling men. New York: Berkley Books.
³Brown, S. L. (2005). How to spot a dangerous man before you get involved. Alameda, CA: Hunter House.
⁴De Becker, G. (1997). The gift of fear and other survival signals that protect us from violence. New York: Dell Publishing.
⁵Evans, P. (1996). The verbally abusive relationship: How to recognize it and how to respond. Holbrook, Mass: Adams Media Corporation.
⁶Why Do Abusers Batter?. (n.d.). ACADV - Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.acadv.org/abusers.html

How to Deal with a Verbally Abusive Husband or Boyfriend
¹Evans, P. (2006). The verbally abusive man--can he change?: a woman's guide to deciding whether to stay or go. Avon, Mass: Adams Media.
²Letellier, P. (1994). Gay and bisexual male domestic violence victimization: challenges to feminist theory and responses to violence. Violence and Victims, 9(29), 95-106.

Your Verbally Abusive Wife, What Can You Do?
¹Evans, P. (2006). The verbally abusive man--can he change?: a woman's guide to deciding whether to stay or go. Avon, Mass: Adams Media.
²Hines D, Brown J, Dunning E. Characteristics of callers to the domestic abuse helpline for men. Journal Of Family Violence [serial online]. February 2007;22(2):63-72. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed July 27, 2012.
³Letellier, P. (1994). Gay and bisexual male domestic violence victimization: challenges to feminist theory and responses to violence. Violence and Victims, 9(29), 95-106.
⁴Saunders, PhD, D. (2007). Child custody and visitation decisions in domestic violence cases: legal trends, risk factors, and safety concerns. National Resource on Violence Against Women, NA. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from http://www.verbalabusejournals.com/pdf/research/AR_CustodyRevised.pdf

Self-Injury

Why Pro Self Injury, Pro Self Harm Websites Are Dangerous

• Frevele, J. (n.d.). Tumblr Bans Self-Harm, Pro-Ana Sites | The Mary Sue. The Mary Sue - A Guide To Girl Geek Culture. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from http://www.themarysue.com/tumblr-bans-self-harm-pro-ana-sites/
• Gregoire, C. (2012, June 7). The Hunger Blogs: A Secret World of Teenage 'Thinspiration'. Huff Post Teen. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/08/thinspiration-blogs_n_1264459.html

Self Injury, Self Harm Statistics and Facts

• Cutting Statistics and Self-Injury Treatment - Teen Health. (n.d.). Teen Help - Advice for Parents and Teens. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-health/cutting-stats-treatment.html
• Cutting: Self Injury Facts and Statistics. (n.d.). Scott Counseling. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from www.scottcounseling.com/wordpress/cutting-self-injury-facts-statistics/2009/02/06/
• NIMH · Pilot Study Will Test New Treatment to Reduce Self-Harm in Borderline Personality Disorder. (n.d.). NIMH · Home. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2008/pilot-study-will-test-new-treatment-to-reduce-self-harm-in-borderline-personality-disorder.shtml
• To Write Love on Her Arms > Facts. (n.d.). To Write Love on Her Arms > Home. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from http://www.twloha.com/facts/

Self Injury Stories, Self Harm Stories

• Self-Harm: Real Stories: ReachOut.com USA. (n.d.). ReachOut.com USA for teens: Information and help about mental health issues such as being bullied, low self esteem, committing suicide and cutting yourself. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://us.reachout.com/real-stories/self-harm
• 13, a. (n.d.). Self-Injury: One Family's Story. WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/features/self-injury-one-familys-story
• Schorn, D. (n.d.). Teen Shares Self-Injury Secret - CBS News. Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500195_162-1685800.html

Movies About Self Injury, Self Harm

• CUT: Teens and Self Injury - A Documentary. (n.d.). CUT: Teens and Self Injury - A Documentary. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.cutthemovie.com/
• Lifetime Movies. (n.d.). Welcome to The Road To Anaphe... The Healing Journey Begins Here!. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.anaphe.org/Lifetime_Movies.html#33
• Perfection the Movie. (n.d.). Perfection the Movie. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://perfectionthemovie.wordpress.com/

Self Harm: Pictures, Photos, Images of Self Mutilation

• Cutting and Self-Harm: Self-Injury Help, Support, and Treatment. (n.d.). Helpguide helps you help yourself to better mental and emotional health. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm
• Psyke.org - Self Injury Information and Support. (n.d.). Psyke.org - Self Injury Information and Support. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.psyke.org/warning.html
• Shocking Anorexia Pictures | Anorexia Pictures & Photos. (n.d.). Anorexia Pictures & Photos | Anorexia nervosa pictures, anorexia photos, pictures of people with anorexia. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://anorexiapictures.net/?q=node/8
• Shocking X-rays: Troubled teens' embedded objects Pictures - CBS News. (n.d.). Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10007744.html?tag=mncol;lst;1
• Smith, S. T. (n.d.). Do Men Self-Injure? | Psychology Today. Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-deviance-society/201109/do-men-self-injure
• Stormme, R. (n.d.). Why do People Cut Themselves? Is Self-Harming Addictive?. Rehana Stormme on HubPages. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from http://rehanastormme.hubpages.com/hub/Teenage-Cutting-Why-do-People-Cut-Themselves

Self Injury, Self Harm Quotes Provide Insight

• Category. (n.d.). All | Quotes | Media & Popular Culture | self-injury.net. self-injury.net | support community for self-injurers. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://self-injury.net/media/quotes/quote
• Quotes About Self Injury (10 quotes). (n.d.). Share Book Recommendations With Your Friends, Join Book Clubs, Answer Trivia. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/self-injury?auto_login_attempted=true
• Self Harm Quotes*. (n.d.). XxDailyDreamxX. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://xxdailydreamxx.tripod.com/id16.html
• Self Injury quotes. (n.d.). Nelson Board Riders. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.nelsonboardriders.com/vandal/siquotes.htm

Celebrities Who Self Harm: Famous Self Injurers

• Cutting & Self-Harm: The Stigma & The Aftermath www.galadarling.com. (n.d.). www.galadarling.com. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://galadarling.com/article/self-harm
• Hughes, S. A. (n.d.). Demi Lovato talks about ongoing battle with eating disorder, self-harm on special ‘Stay Strong’ (video) - Celebritology 2.0 - The Washington Post. Washington Post: Breaking News, World, US, DC News & Analysis. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/demi-lovato-talks-about-ongoing-battle-with-eating-disorder-self-harm-on-special-stay-strong-video/2012/03/07/gIQAzAFJxR_blog.html
• Rutter, C. (n.d.). Miley Cyrus Sparks Concern Over 'Self-Harm' Pictures - Celebrity Gossip, News & Photos, Movie Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise. Celebrity Gossip, News & Photos, Movie Reviews, Competitions - Entertainmentwise. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/76861/Miley-Cyrus-Sparks-Concern-Over-Self-Harm-Pictures
• Series, C. B. (n.d.). Famous Self-Injurers | self-injury.net. self-injury.net | support community for self-injurers. Retrieved July 26, 2012, from http://self-injury.net/media/famous-self-injurers

What is Self-Injury, Self-Harm, Self-Mutilation?
¹Psyke.org, Healing the Hurt Within: http://www.psyke.org/bookstore/nonfiction/healing/
²Helpguide.org, Cutting and Self-Harm: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm

 Causes of Self-Injury, Self-Harm, Self-Mutilation
¹Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults, What do we know about self-injury? http://www.crpsib.com/whatissi.asp

Why I Self-Harm: Why People Self-Injure
¹Selfharm.co.uk, Disclosure: Sharing Stories of Self-Harm: http://www.selfharm.co.uk/get/facts/disclosure-sharing-stories-of-self-harm/
²Reachout.com, Just keep going: http://us.reachout.com/real-stories/story/just-keep-going 

Self-Injury Help, Self-Mutilation Help and Support
¹S.A.F.E. Alternatives, Journal Articles and Books: http://www.selfinjury.com/resources/journals/

Effects of Self-Harm, Self-Injury
¹HelGuide.org, Cutting and Self-Harm: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm
²Reach Out.com, Deliberate Self-Harm: http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/deliberate-self-harm

 Self-Injury Treatment: What are the Treatments for Self-Harm?
¹Cuttingandselfharm.com, Getting Help for Self-Harm, Cutting Treatment: http://www.cuttingandselfharm.com/How-is-Self-Harm-Treated.asp
²MentalHelp.net, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Self-Injury
³S.A.F.E. Alternatives, S.A.F.E. Intensive®: http://www.selfinjury.com/treatments/intensive/

How to Stop Self-Harm, Self-Injury Behaviors
¹Self-Injury.net, How to Stop Hurting Yourself: http://self-injury.net/print/18168
²Reach Out.com, Deliberate Self-Harm: http://us.reachout.com/facts/factsheet/deliberate-self-harm

Explaining Self-Harm Scars to Others
¹Janis Whitlock, John Eckenrode, Daniel Silverman, Self-injurious Behaviors in a College Population: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/6/1939.long
²HelGuide.org, Cutting and Self-Harm: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm

Self-Harm and Suicide: Can Self-Injury Lead to Suicide?
¹Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults, What do we know about self-injury? http://www.crpsib.com/whatissi.asp

Self-Harm in Adults: Self-Injury Not Limited to Teens
¹Newwise – Menniger Clinic, Self-Injury not Limited to Teens: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/533440
²National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2004), National Clinical Practice Guideline Number 16: Self-harm, The British Psychological Society, retrieved 2009-12-13

Self-Injury Cutting: Cutting Yourself to Relieve Emotional Pain
¹Janis Whitlock, John Eckenrode, Daniel Silverman, Self-injurious Behaviors in a College Population: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/6/1939.long
²Cornell Research Program on Self-Injurious Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults, What do we know about self-injury? http://www.crpsib.com/whatissi.asp

I Cut Myself: The Shame and Secrecy of Self-Harm
¹Pubmed – The British Journal of Clinical Psychology / the British Psychological Society, Self-harm in a mixed clinical population: the roles of self-criticism, shame, and social rank: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20109278
²Self-Injury.net, Frequently Asked Questions: http://self-injury.net/information-recovery/frequently-asked-questions#shame

Cutting Help and Treatment
¹S.A.F.E. Alternatives®, S.A.F.E. Intensive®: http://www.selfinjury.com/treatments/intensive/

back to: all articles on abuse issues

The definition of physical abuse, according to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, is: "Non-accidental use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. This includes, but is not limited to, being slapped, burned, cut, bruised or improperly physically restrained."¹ Physical abuse is not limited to children and can happen to adults of any age. Neglect is also considered an aspect of physical abuse and this type of abuse often happens when one adult cares for another; such as in the case of an adult child caring for a parent.

Physical abuse often occurs alongside other forms of abuse such as financial, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Physical abusers use their abusive behaviors to try to control their victims. 

More info on: Physical and Emotional Abuse Usually Travel Together.

Who Suffers from Physical Abuse?

While anyone can suffer from physical abuse, physical abuse victims are most often women and often:

• Frail elderly
• Developmentally disabled
• Mentally ill
• Physically disabled
• Substance abusers
• Intimate partners

While it is never the fault of the victim, victims of physical abuse often feel shame and guilt over the abuse and hide the abuse from others. Victims are also typically afraid of what would happen if the physical abuse were found out. Unfortunately, this often allows physical abuse to go on unreported.

The Cycle of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse often occurs in cycles and not all parts of the relationship may be physically abusive. A physical abuse cycle often includes:

• Threats of violence, such as, "if you do that one more time, you'll be sorry"
• The physical abuse itself such as hitting, burning or slapping
• Apologies by the abuser; the abuser may be extra attentive, "turn on the charm," or buy gifts
• The cycle begins again, often with the abuser planning the next action of abuse

Examples of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can range from relatively mild such as a slap, to severe such as the breaking of bones. An example of physical abuse in the words of one woman,

"...he broke into my house. He was breaking my fingers, to take my daughter out of my arms, because that was his way to control me and my other daughter was upstairs, that was late at night and he was going to take her from me because I had taken the children out for dinner, and he didn't know where I was..."²

Other examples of physical abuse include:

• Being physical restrained; such as being tied to a chair
• Being burned
• Being cut
• Being slapped, punched, kicked, bitten or choked
• Being stabbed or shot
• Withholding of food or medical attention
• Being drugged
• Being denied sleep
• Inflicting pain on other people or animals

More information on: Effects of Physical Abuse, Pictures of Physical Abuse.

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Typically, there are signs of physical abuse both within and outside the relationship in which it occurs. However, spotting the signs of physical abuse may not always be easy and sometimes people choose to overlook them as they don't wish to believe that physical abuse is taking place. There are typically physical, behavioral and emotional signs of physical abuse. Behaviors are seen both in the abuser and in the victim.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Obvious signs of physical abuse are often physical in nature. These may include:

• Cuts
• Bruises
• Burns
• Restraint or grip markings
• Black eyes
• Unusual pattern of injury; repeated trips to the emergency room

More information on: Effects of Physical Abuse, Pictures of Physical Abuse.

And while these signs of physical abuse may seem obvious, most victims will try to cover them up so as to hide the abuse due to fear of the abuser or shame about the abuse. While physical violence is never okay, and physical abuse is never the fault of the victim, many victims feel the abuse is their fault.

While not strictly physical, many behavioural patterns can also be signs of physical abuse. These signs may include:¹ ,²

• Name-calling and put-downs; overt anger; threats; attempts to intimidate by the abuser
• Restricting the victim's movements (preventing them from attending work or school, controlling what they do or say)
• Restricting the victim's access to money
• Overt jealousy or possessiveness over the victim
• A delay between the time of injury and the seeking of treatment – this may be because the victim is unable to leave the house for treatment or due to the shame felt over the abuse
• The victim's noncompliance with a treatment regimen such as missed medical appointments or an inability to take medication due to lack of access to money
• Victim's fear of disagreeing with her abuser
• The abuser harming other people or animals in the victim's life

Less Obvious Signs of Physical Abuse

While the above signs of physical abuse are visible to outsiders, other signs of physical abuse may be more subtle. The less obvious signs may include:

• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Vague medical complaints such as chronic headaches, fatigue or stomach pain
• Pelvic pain; vaginal or urinary tract infections
• Unwanted pregnancy; lack of prenatal care
• Sexual problems
• Depression
• Anxiety, including panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Fearfulness
• Abuse of alcohol or other drugs

It's important to remember that while these signs may indicate physical abuse, they may also indicate other problems in the victim's life so it's important not to jump to conclusions. However, if physical abuse is truly suspected, local authorities should be alerted by contacting the police or your county social services agency.

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The effects of physical abuse can be both acute and far-reaching. The immediate effect of physical abuse may be a bruise or a cut, but the long-term effect may be drastic - like posttraumatic stress disorder. Moreover, the effects of physical abuse can be felt by loved ones and, especially, children of both the victim and abuser. The psychological effects of physical abuse should not be underestimated.

Physical Effects of Physical Abuse

The short-term effects of physical abuse are typically obvious and treatable by an emergency room physician or other healthcare providers. They can range from cuts, bruises, broken bones, and other physical maladies. There are long-term physical abuse effects from these injuries as well, however.

Unfortunately, many of the injuries sustained from physical abuse affect the victim as they grow older. The long-term effects of physical abuse include:¹

• Arthritis
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart disease
• Sexually transmitted diseases (in the cases where sexual abuse was part of the physical abuse)
• Chronic pain syndromes

See more information on Signs of Physical Abuse.

Other physical illnesses, such as diabetes, may be worsened due to physical abuse as the victim may have been denied access to care. Murder and suicide are also frequently associated with physical abuse.

Pregnancies are also frequently impacted by physical abuse. The effects of physical abuse on pregnancy include:

• Poor weight gain
• Preterm labor
• Miscarriage
• Low infant birth weight

Psychological Effects of Physical Abuse

Unfortunately, some of the longest-lasting and most debilitating effects of physical abuse are psychological in nature. Depression is the primary psychological response to physical abuse but drug and alcohol abuse are also common. Abused women have a 16-times greater risk of abusing alcohol and a 9-times greater risk of abusing drugs when compared to non-abused women. Other psychological effects of physical abuse include:²

• Suicidal behavior
• Self-harm
• Panic disorder
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Effects of Physical Abuse on Children

"...on Mother's Day of that year, he broke my back, showing my son how it was done..."³

Children are severely affected by physical abuse even if they, themselves, were not the victims of violence. It has been found that one-third of children who witness the battering of their mother demonstrate significant behavioral and emotional problems. The effects of physical abuse on children may include:

• Stuttering
• Psychosomatic disorders (disorders in which mental factors play a significant role – often vague complaints of pain)
• Anxiety; fears; compulsive behavior
• Sleep disruption
• Excessive crying
• Problems at school
• Depression
• Self-destructive behavior; running away
• Anger and hostility
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty trusting others; relationship problems

Children who witness physical abuse are also more likely to be victims (often women) or perpetrators (often men) of physical abuse as adults.

Pictures of Physical Abuse

The pictures of physical abuse can be graphic and very upsetting. And while these images of physical abuse may be disturbing, it's important to remember the terror the person is experiencing on the inside also.

Image depicting Lizzette Ochoa Amador. Taken by Lizzette's aunt, Astrid Amador, who took pictures of her niece at the hospital after her husband hit her on June 30, 2006.

Picture of a battered woman. Photo credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image of a child sad and scared.

Image of domestic violence. Photo credit: Concha Garcia Hernandez

 Image of battered man.

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People who are being physically abused often feel trapped and like there is no help available for them, but this isn't true. There are many resources available for physical abuse help. Whether the physical abuse has just started or whether it has escalated into a life-threatening situation, there are services available to help those being physically abused.

Immediate Physical Abuse Help

If you or someone you know has been physically abused and is injured, you should seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity of the injury, this may require calling your doctor, going to the emergency room or calling 9-1-1.

It's important to remember that healthcare professionals are on your side and want to help you get out of physically abusive situations. Doctors and other healthcare workers can refer you to the resource most appropriate for your current situation.

Additional Help for Physically Abused

Help for those who have been physically abused but are not currently injured is also readily available. Hotlines for physical abuse help include (in the United States):

• For domestic violence contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
• To get help with teenage dating abuse contact loveisrespect.org. This national program provides a hotline, live chat, texting and other services: 1-866-331-9474
• For help with physical abuse involving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people call the Gay and Lesbian National Hotline: 1-888-THE-GLNH
• For help with physical abuse containing sexual abuse contact The Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network: 1-800-656-HOPE
• For international agencies, see the HotPeach Pages

Any of the above resources can help you file a report with the authorities about the physical abuse if you so choose.

For additional resources and physical abuse help contact:

• For a list of shelters in the United States see WomensLaw.org
• For help finding a lawyer contact the Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence
• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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The vast majority of physical abuse victims are women – about two-out-of-three – and the majority of these are abused by men, so it's common to question why some men abuse women. While there is no direct cause of physical abuse, there are factors that are known to increase the risk for physical abuse - both on the side of the perpetrator and on the side of the victim. It is worth noting that women abused in marriages suffer greater severity of abuse than those in other types of relationships.

What Men Abuse Women?

While no one type of man abuses women, in studies abusive men share certain characteristics. A Harvard University study showed convicted physically abusive men were found to, when compared to the average American man, commit more crimes as well as:¹

• Have lower levels of education and IQ; be less clear-thinking
• Be more neurotic, anxious, nervous and defensive
• Be less agreeable, optimistic, content and more irritable
• Be less extraverted, conscientious and open
• Be less self-confident
• Be more excitable, moody, hasty and self-centered
• Be more authoritarian

These characteristics of men who abuse women alone show that they are more likely to lash out when provoked. Some men even show pride in abusing women. Commented the author of the Harvard study:

"Instead of being ashamed, they seemed proud when they talked about kicking, biting, or slapping their wives and girlfriends 20 or more times in the past year."

Causes of Physical Abuse of Women

The causes of physical abuse may be related to one of the personality characteristics noted in male physical abusers, possibly their desire for unquestioned obedience and their lack of compassion for those they consider weak or inferior. Unfortunately, sexism often rears its ugly head in these situations and men consider women weak and inferior. Thus, when a woman "breaks a rule," the man feels no compunction against meting out harsh punishments like physical abuse.

However, the causes of physical abuse should not be attributed to sexism alone. Power and control are the prevalent motivations for physical abuse and if sexism is the only aspect focused on, it's likely the physical abuse would simply be suffered by another group of people such as the infirmed.

Other risk factors that increase the likelihood of physical abuse against women include:

• Substance abuse
• Unemployment
• Stress, fatigue and/or dissatisfaction
• History of violence
• Psychological and/or physical impairments
• Poor impulse control

Pregnant Women Abuse

Abuse of pregnant women is common with 4-8% of women found to be abused at least once during pregnancy. In fact, homicide was found to be the leading cause of death in pregnant women in a study done in Maryland.²

It is thought one of the causes of physical abuse during this time is because the man gets the feeling his importance is being displaced by the pregnancy. Focus is no longer on him and this threatens his sense of self-worth. This may be of particular shock if the man (often young men) was expecting nothing in the relationship to change due to the pregnancy.

It's critical that abused women get out of any situation of physical abuse not just for themselves, but also for their babies. Babies in abusive situations have increased risks of being born both prematurely and underweight. There are also additional health concerns for the mother, such as high blood pressure and kidney infections.

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Physical and emotional abuse go hand-in-hand in many relationships. In fact, it's rare to find physical abuse without the presence of emotional abuse (aka mental abuse). Often, when the physical abuser cannot physically abuse the victim, such as in public, they can emotionally abuse him or her.

Physical abuse is certainly harmful, however, emotional and mental abuse can be just as bad. Emotional abuse can lead to:

• Lack of self-worth
• Lack of independence
• Feeling like you're nothing without the relationship

More information on Effects of Emotional Abuse.

Physical and emotional abuse together in a relationship like a marriage can leave a person in fear for her life, yet too scared to leave the relationship.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is any type of behavior that purposefully hurts the other person mentally. Examples of emotional abuse include:¹

• Yelling
• Name-calling
• Blaming
• Shaming
• Intimidation

Controlling behavior may also be considered emotional or physical abuse depending on its severity. Creating isolation around the victim is another form of emotional abuse.

Emotional abuse's purpose is, in part, to make the victim completely dependent on the abuser. One subtle way of doing this is through financial abuse. Financial abuse, a form of mental abuse, is where the abuser severely restricts access to money, such as putting the victim on an allowance, preventing the victim from working or taking her credit cards.

 

Physical Abuse in Marriage Also Contains Emotional Abuse

Typically, within the environment of physical abuse, some components are physical while some are emotional abuse. All these tactics are designed to manipulate and control the victim while the abuser exerts his or her own power. Without the mental abuse "keeping the victim in line," the physical abuse would be less effective and the victim would be more likely to leave the abusive relationship.

Some of the tactics of emotional abuse seen with physical abuse include:

• Dominance – as power and control are the main reasons for abuse, asserting dominance in any way possible – such as picking out your clothes – is frequently seen.
• Humiliation – one way to make a victim feel bad about themselves is to humiliate her in public such as tell stories about her to her friends.
• Isolation – one way to make a victim reliant on her abuser is to isolate her from social interaction so she feels she has no one to turn to for help and is less likely to leave the abusive relationship
• Threats – threats of physical abuse or abuse of others (such as pets or children) are frequently used to control a victim
• Intimidation – intimidation preserves the power and control the abuser has over the victim and reduces the chance that the victim will question the abuser – which is one of the goals of the abuser as he is typically seeking unquestioning obedience
• Denial and blame – abusers often attempt to make victims believe the abuse is their fault or deny that it happened at all. This invalidates the destructive effects of both the physical and emotional abuse and may make the victim believe it is all "in her head."

People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered may be facing other types of emotional abuse such as the threat of telling others of their sexual orientation or sexual identity.

It's important to remember that these emotional abuses are just ways to maintain power and control over the victim, are just as unacceptable as the physical abuse itself and can leave scars that are just as long-lasting.

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Facts and statistics on physical abuse include alarming numbers about who is being physically abused and how severely. The picture painted by statistics on physical abuse show that this is a national epidemic with societal implications all the way from the birth of children born to battered mothers through to end-of-life elder abuse.¹

• Nearly 5.3 million incidents of domestic violence occur annually among US women aged 18 years and older, with 3.2 million occurring among men
• Battered women average 6.9 physical assaults by the same partner in a year
• Battered men average 4.4 assaults by the same partner in a year

In 2001, of all nonfatal violence directed against women, 20% was found to be of domestic physical violence, and in men, this number was found to be 3%. A 2002 study reported that 29% of women (almost 1-in-3) and 22% of men (more than 1-in-5) report having experienced physical, sexual, or psychological intimate partner violence during their lifetime.

Emergency Medicine Statistics on Physical Abuse

Victims of abuse often do not reach out to the police as women report to the police only 20% of all rapes, 25% of all physical assaults and 50% of all stalkings perpetrated by intimate partners. This means that medical personnel, such as doctors at the emergency room, often have the first chance to identify the cycle of physical abuse. And even then, the numbers who go to the emergency room is low with only 14.7% of physical abuse victims saying that would go to the hospital for assistance.

• Between 4-15% of people at an emergency room are there due to problems related to domestic violence

And unfortunately, even once there, most woman do not directly note physical abuse as their complaint and facts on physical abuse show that emergency room physicians fail to identify abuse in many cases.

• An accurate diagnosis of battering is estimated in less than 1 of 25 women
• Data from a study documented that 23% of women presented 6-10 times before physical abuse was diagnosed
• Another 20% sought medical attention on 11 occasions before a diagnosis of abuse finally was made

It is thought so many cases of physical abuse are missed simply due to the physician's failure to ask about it.

Statistics on the Effects of Physical Abuse

It is a shocking physical abuse statistic that approximately 2 million injuries occur each year from physical abuse, for which only a third will seek medical help. While the vast majority of these injuries are more minor in nature, 43,000 patients present with:

• Gunshot wounds
• Stabs wounds
• Fractures
• Internal injuries
• Loss of consciousness

Read more information on: Effects of Physical Abuse.

And, of course, the most brutal of all physical abuse facts: 11% of homicide victims were killed by an intimate partner. Most of these fatalities are committed with firearms, as with all murders.

Statistically, 76% of intimate partner murder victims were women but more disturbingly, 44% had visited an emergency room within 2 years and 93% had at least one emergency room visit for injury. A home in which anyone has been hit or hurt in a family fight is 4.4 times more likely to be the scene of a homicide than is a violence-free home.

Statistics on the Cost of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse has societal, economic costs as well as personal ones. It was estimated in 2003 that the annual economic cost of domestic violence was $8.3 billion, including $1.2 billion for lives lost. It is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that victims of severe physical abuse annually miss 8 million days of paid work, the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. It is also a physical abuse statistic that the police spend one-third of their time responding to domestic violence calls.

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Dating violence is violence that occurs within a dating relationship rather than, say, marriage; and dating violence is as much a problem for teenagers as it is for adults. In fact, statistics show that one-in-three teenagers have experienced teenage domestic violence in a dating relationship. In 1995, 7% of all murder victims were young women who were killed by their boyfriends.¹

In situations of dating violence, one partner tries to exert power and control over the other partner through physical abuse or sexual assault. Emotional abuse is commonly present alongside physical abuse or sexual abuse that takes place.

Sexual violence in dating relationships is also a major concern. A survey of adolescent and college students revealed that date rape accounted for 67% of sexual assaults and 60% of rapes take place in the victim's home or in that of a friend or relative.

Why Teenage Dating Violence Occurs

Dating violence seems to decrease once young adults move beyond being a teenager. Part of this may be because of the way teenagers see themselves and because of their newness to dating. According to The Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, young men and women may have certain beliefs that lead to a higher incidence of dating violence.

For example, teenage men may believe:

• They have the right to "control" their female partners in any way necessary
• "Masculinity" is physical aggressiveness
• They "possess" their partner
• They should demand intimacy
• They may lose respect if they are attentive and supportive of their girlfriends

Teenage women may believe:

• They are responsible for solving problems in their relationships
• Their boyfriend's jealousy, possessiveness, and even physical abuse is "romantic"
• Abuse is "normal" because their friends are also being abused
• There is no one to ask for help

And while all of those beliefs can also be seen in adults, they are likely more prevalent in teens.

Warning Signs of Dating Abuse

There are many warning signs of dating abuse and they should always be taken seriously. A pattern does not have to occur for it to be considered dating violence – one incidence of violence is abuse and it is one too many.

Warning signs of dating violence are similar to those seen in adults. These signs of dating abuse can be seen outside the relationship and include:

• Physical signs of injury
• Truancy, dropping out of school
• Failing grades
• Indecision
• Changes in mood or personality
• Use of drugs/alcohol
• Pregnancy
• Emotional outburst
• Isolation

Within the relationship itself, there are also signs of dating abuse:²

• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do

Examples of Dating Violence

Dating violence is any situation in which one partner purposefully causes emotional, physical or sexual pain on another. Examples of dating emotional abuse include:

• Humiliating your partner
• Controlling what your dating partner can and cannot do
• Withholding information from your partner
• Deliberately doing something to make your partner feel dismissed or embarrassed
• Isolating your partner from family or friends
• Abuse over electronic devices such as via text or on the internet
• Threatening your partner

"Maria and Devon went to a house party last weekend – no parents. Devon said he'd dump Maria if they didn't hook up. Maria eventually gave into Devon's demands."³

Examples of physical or sexual dating violence include:

• Hitting
• Pinching
• Punching
• Twisting
• Biting
• Forced sexual activity such as touching, peeping, nude photos or intercourse
• Sexual harassment

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