Domestic Violence Resource Article

With the month of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month we want to share some information on the effects domestic violence has on the people involved and a list of resources for getting help.

Effects on the victim

Death, illness, injury and disability

• Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of death, illness and disability for women aged under 45

Emotional and psychological trauma

• The devastating impact on an individual’s physical, mental and emotional health can cause depression, shame, anger and suicide

Homelessness

• Nearly one-third of people seeking help from homelessness services say domestic and family violence is an issue

Use of alcohol and other drugs to deal with the trauma

Physical health injuries and problems, which may not get medically treated

Effects on the family

• Violence and the threat of violence at home creates fear and can destroy family environments and lead to the break-up of families

• Frequent moving to avoid the abuser

• Regular household conflict

• Child protection or police involvement

Effects on children

Of the women who experience violence, more than 50% have children in their care. Children and young people don't have to see the violence to be affected by it. Studies show that living with domestic violence can cause physical and emotional harm to children and young people in the following ways:

• Ongoing anxiety and depression

• Emotional distress

• Eating and sleeping disturbances

• Physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches

• Find it hard to manage stress

• Low self-esteem

• Self-harm

• Be aggressive towards friends and schoolmates

• Feel guilt or blame themselves for the violence

• Have trouble forming positive relationships

• Develop phobias and insomnia

• Struggle with going to school and doing school work

• Use bullying behaviour or become a target of bullying

• Difficulty concentrating

• Find it hard to solve problems

• Have less empathy and caring for others

Resources

Organizations:

• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

• Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Child Protection, and Custody

• National Network to End Domestic Violence

Online resources:

• Warning signs of domestic violence

• General overview of sexual assault / abuse

• How to create a domestic violence safety plan (via SafeHorizon)

• How to create a domestic violence safety plan (via The National Domestic Violence Hotline)

• Find a local domestic violence shelter

• Information for undocumented victims of domestic violence

• Information about child custody issues

• Financial tips for victims and survivors

• How to rebuild your finances after an abusive relationship

• Find low-cost or free legal services in your state

• What to say when you think someone is being abused