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Domestic violence (DV) refers to any patterns or behaviors used to gain power and control over a partner. Domestic violence is not just physical — it can be verbal, psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional. By using these strategies, abusive partners aim to isolate survivors from resources and chip away at their self-esteem. Abusers typically use manipulation, intimidation, denial, and failure to take responsibility for their actions.
Domestic violence is deeply rooted in power and control. Many myths and realities surround the causes of domestic violence, including alcohol or drug misuse, mental illness, or earlier experiences of violence. However, the abuse of power over another person is the real cause of domestic violence. Behavior is a choice, and those who perpetrate domestic violence do so to get what they want and gain control.
The cycle of abuse refers to a repeated pattern of tactics used by the abusive partner to dominate their partner. The diagram below illustrates the cycle of abuse.
The cycle of abuse refers to a repeated pattern of tactics used by the abusive partner to dominate their partner. The diagram below illustrates the cycle of abuse.
Domestic violence harms children and is traumatic. It impacts all areas of life, including health, education, and development of relationships. The effects of domestic violence will be different for each child. However, domestic violence is often an underlying theme behind social issues, such as school dropout and exclusion, youth homelessness, and youth risk-taking behavior. Therefore, providing children with appropriate support and helping them to develop resilience is essential.
Leaving an abusive relationship is a long and challenging process for various reasons. Abusive partners work hard to keep survivors trapped in the abusive relationship, using tactics such as isolation from friends and family to reduce social support. At times, the survivor may be at greater risk when leaving the abusive relationship rather than staying in the abusive partner’s hands.
It is important to remember that leaving is a process, not an event. Survivors of domestic violence need to be believed, supported, and encouraged to take positive steps for their safety and well-being. Unfortunately, leaving an abusive partner does not always stop the violence. Many survivors are still exposed to abuse when they leave the relationship.
Individuals in the LGBTQ community can experience domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pervasive, life-threatening crime that affects millions of people. Relationship abuse occurs at roughly the same rate in same-sex relationships as heterosexual relationships, although the tactics may differ. For example, an abuser may threaten to out their partner to family, friends, or professional connections. “Outing” someone is a tactic used to isolate and silence the partner.
Yes. Domestic violence can affect everyone. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 men within the United States experience domestic violence. Often, men struggle to seek help from domestic violence due to fear of not being believed and being seen as less masculine. When men access services, they tend to minimize the abuse and avoid the social stigma associated with their inability to protect themselves.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. However, people who live below the poverty line are disproportionately affected by domestic violence for various reasons.
For example, finances are a significant reason why some domestic violence survivors may remain in an abusive relationship. An individual who is not financially independent cannot move away from the abuser and afford a place of their own. Furthermore, an abusive partner may be controlling the finances, which makes it almost impossible for a survivor to save money. These and other forms of financial abuse make domestic violence especially challenging for individuals below the poverty line.
Domestic violence and homelessness intertwine in many ways. When a survivor flees from their abusive partner, the survivor typically has nowhere to go. This unfortunate reality often happens because the abusive partner may have isolated the survivor from family and friends, or inhibited their self-sufficiency.
Domestic violence shelters have limited capacity, which means every survivor will not have the opportunity to find shelter. Domestic violence reports state that safe, affordable housing is one of the primary barriers a survivor faces when leaving their abusive partner. In fact, domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
Within Los Angeles County, there are many resources available to support survivors of domestic violence.
Visit this link for resources in the city of Los Angeles.
When supporting survivors, it’s crucial to meet them where they are. Some may be ready to leave the relationship, while others may not. You must help them through whatever decisions they choose to make for themselves. Remember, don’t judge and just listen. You can also provide referrals for safe spaces.
No visitors are allowed at our shelters. We practice confidentiality to protect the security and privacy of domestic violence survivors. By housing them at a confidential address, we take precautions to prevent their abusers from discovering their whereabouts.
Organizations like Haven Hills depend on donors to provide vital domestic violence services that help survivors rebuild their lives. Here are some ways in which you can help empower survivors and transform lives today:
Help us increase our outreach by sharing our social media posts with your online community. Our social handles are @havenhills.