MARITAL ABUSE - BEING AWARE OF THE PROBLEM

    Marital abuse can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Violence takes many forms: physical, emotional, economic, stalking and harassment and sexual abuse.

SIGNS OF MARITAL ABUSE

Physical Abuse

Physical violence doesn't always leave lifelong scars or harm:

• Biting, grabbing, spitting, or scratching
• Pushing and shoving
• Punching and slapping
• Throwing something at you to frighten or injure you
• Causing harm to or threatening to cause harm to your children
• Burning
• Strangling
• Using a weapon to assault or threaten to attack
• Any threats or real killing attempts

Emotional/Psychological Abuse

Your partner may misuse your emotions or psychological stability in order to exert control over you or hurt you emotionally. It may be said or unspoken:

• Calling someone out, making fun of them, intimidating them, or making humiliating gestures.
• A frightening approach is to stand or yell directly in your face
• Controlling your kids
• Telling you what to do or prohibiting you from going anywhere
• Putting little stock in what you have to say
• Interrupting, switching the subject, failing to reply or listen, and distorting your remarks
• Minimizing you in front of others
• Expressing unfavorable sentiments about your family and acquaintances
• Preventing or making it challenging for you to visit with friends or family
• Being excessively jealous or cheating
• Shifting blame for abusive behavior by claiming you created it or blaming others
• Monitoring the use of your computer, automobile, phone, and SMS

Economic/Financial Abuse

When a victim is made completely financially dependent on the abuser, with no control or say in the relationship, this is known as economic or financial abuse:

• Preventing the person from going to work or school
• giving the victim a black eye or other noticeable damage before a crucial meeting in order to ruin employment possibilities
• Putting the victim's job at danger by stalking or harassing them at work
• Preventing access to or causing damage to a vehicle to prevent the victim from getting to work
• Sabotaging learning chances by trashing homework
• Withholding funds or granting a concession
• Preventing entry to financial accounts
• Concealing family wealth
• Using the victim's name to incur debt

Stalking and Harassment

In relationships, stalking and harassment can occur when an abusive partner or ex continues to demand your time despite your requests for no contact:

• Sending you unwanted messages or making uninvited visits (voicemails, text messages, emails, etc.)
• Following you, such as secretly placing GPS tracking software on your cell phone or vehicle
• Monitoring you constantly
• Embarrassing you in front of others
• Ignoring requests to depart

Sexual Abuse

In committed partnerships and marriages, sexual assault does happen.

EFFECTS OF MARITAL ABUSE

Physical effects

• Bruises
• injuries around or on the eyes
• A neck with purple or red markings
• Fractured or sprained wrists
• Continual tiredness
• Breathing difficulty
• Tense muscles
• Voluntary trembling
• Alterations in eating and sleeping habits
• Sexual dysfunction

Mental effects

• Flashbacks, nightmares, excruciating anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts are all symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression, which includes protracted melancholy
• Anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts are accompanied by low self-esteem and self-doubt
• Alcohol and drug abuse

Emotional and spiritual effects

• Hopelessness
• Sensing worthlessness
• Uncertainty and discouragement about the future Lack of trust
• Wondering and questioning one's spiritual faith
• Unmotivated

HOW CAN YOU HELP ?

• Make Time for Them
• Start a Conversation
• Listen Without Judgment
• Learn the Warning Signs
• Believe them
• Verify the Victim's Emotions
• Offer Specific Support (Look up telephone numbers for shelters, social services, attorneys, counselors, or support groups.)

WHEN TO CALL 911?

    If you notice that there is active violence, dial 911 right away. Call the police if you hear or see physical abuse occurring. The victim and their children are most effectively protected from the immediate risk by the police.

    There are no circumstances under which kids should be placed in a hostile environment. Do whatever is required to keep them safe, even if it involves going against the victim's or the abuser's wishes.

HOW WE HELP YOU?

    The creation of some specialized assistance programmes for victims of domestic violence is necessary due to the scope and severity of the effects of this crime. A stronger understanding of their right to express their own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions as well as a growing sense of control over their own lives, an open mind, a desire for change, and confidence in their own judgement can all be gained by counselling by those who have experienced marital abuse. Call us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for counselling (+1 315 750 4197).