Warning Signs And Potential Causes Of Domestic Violence
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of power and control exerted by one person against another in a relationship using physical, emotional, sexual, economic, or psychological abuse. Any form of physical or sexual abuse and emotional control or manipulation can be categorized as domestic violence. While some types of domestic violence may occur without a physical altercation, it is not uncommon for other forms of abuse to occur with physical violence.
Those experiencing domestic violence often believe there is no way out, while friends and loved ones may feel despair because they don't know how to help. Additionally, some people acting abusively may not realize their behavior constitutes domestic violence. Recognizing warning signs and risk factors for domestic violence can help all people involved potentially break the cycle and move forward.
Behavior and warning signs of a domestic violence survivor
Signs that someone is experiencing domestic violence can sometimes be visible, such as a black eye, busted lip, bruises, or broken bones. However, other indicators may be less apparent.
Long-term emotional effects of domestic abuse
- Altered Sleep Patterns: The affected person may experience nightmares or insomnia.
- Depression: Someone experiencing domestic violence may notice a noticeable mood change due to depression. For example, someone who was once outgoing and enjoyed participating in social events may suddenly become withdrawn.
- Changes In Appetite: Individuals experiencing domestic violence may be deprived of food as a form of punishment. They might also experience a loss of appetite due to stress or binge eating as a coping mechanism.
Signs of abuse by an intimate partner
In addition to recognizing the physical and emotional signs of domestic violence, knowing what behavior constitutes abuse and violence can also be beneficial.
Signs of mental and physical abuse in relationships
If your spouse, intimate partner, or parent does any of the following, you might be experiencing domestic violence:
- Threatens to harm you or kill you
- Deprives you of clothes, food, or medical care
- Abandons you in a place you are not familiar with
- Attacks you with weapons
- Punches, pushes, kicks or bites you, or pulls your hair
- Forces or coerces you to have unwanted sex
- Restricts your communication with friends or family
- Completely cuts off your relationships with others
- Tells you your experiences of abuse are false
- "Love bombs" you after acting abusive or when you try to leave
Helpful resources for those affected by domestic violence
If you've been affected by domestic violence, consider reaching out to the following resources:
National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women: Support for any situation that causes domestic violence
National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women helps address the needs of people experiencing domestic violence who have been charged with a crime related to the abuse they have experienced. The phone number is 1-800-903-0111 ext. 3.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a culturally appropriate service dedicated to helping Native American survivors of domestic violence. StrongHearts connects callers at no cost to advocates who provide immediate support to abuse survivors. StrongHearts Native Helpline's number is 1−844-762-8483.
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) dedicated to intimate partner violence
If you are experiencing sexual abuse or have experienced assault, note that the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a hotline dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or intimate partner violence. You can contact them anytime by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or using the online chat.
Child Help Hotline
If you're a teen or child experiencing or witnessing abuse of any kind from a family or caregiver, reach out to the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature.
Possible causes of domestic violence
While it may not be possible to predict who will act abusively, there are some risk factors that may be linked to an increased likelihood of domestic violence perpetration.
Common causes of domestic violence
Common risk factors related to domestic violence include:
Low self-esteem behavior
There may be a link between low self-esteem and the risk of domestic violence perpetration. People acting abusively may attempt to deal with their low self-esteem by degrading others.
Desire for power or control
Domestic violence often occurs in relationships where one person wants to control another. The abuser may try to control the other person's social life, travel, and money.
Previous history of being abused
Without intervention, the cycle of abuse can often be challenging to break. Individuals who have experienced physical or emotional abuse in childhood may be more likely to act abusively, although not everyone who experienced abuse in childhood will become abusive themselves.
Cultural beliefs or traditional viewpoints around gender norms
In cultures with deep-rooted beliefs around gender inequality or where aggression is normalized, some may resort to domestic violence to gain control of their spouse or children. Anyone of any gender and sexual orientation can perpetrate or experience domestic violence.
Mental illness
There may be a link between certain traits of mental illnesses and abusive behaviors if someone is not receiving treatment. However, stigmas against specific mental illnesses can be harmful.
Heavy substance use
People who engage in heavy substance use may be more likely to perpetrate abuse.
Healing from abuse can be painful, but help is available
Counseling options for the survivors of domestic violence
Often, leaving an abusive relationship can be challenging and may take a few attempts. However, a therapist may be a beneficial resource if you're ready to leave or looking for support. In addition to the vital resources mentioned above, you may consider a discreet care option, such as online therapy. Online counseling is available from any smart device with an internet connection in any location, allowing you control over where you receive support. You can also partake in chat sessions if you cannot speak aloud during therapy.
With online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you can match with one of over 35,000 licensed professionals. If traveling to an appointment is difficult, online platforms can offer worksheets, therapy sessions, and messaging within one app or website.
Research also demonstrates the effectiveness of online therapy for a range of concerns, including domestic violence. One such study explored the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (I-CBT) for survivors of intimate partner violence. It found that the treatment had "large and statistically significant" effects on several measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Takeaway
What are the effects of domestic violence in society?
Violently abused individuals are likely to develop serious physical and mental health effects. Similarly, domestic violence can have a serious impact on public health. The community at large can also be harmed by domestic violence. Raising children around domestic violence, even if they are not explicitly targeted, can develop significant stress problems, anxiety, and problems with emotional control. Their home environment affects their mental health, reduces school performance, and increases the number of challenges they face in the future.
There are also economic factors associated with domestic violence. A person who experiences physical abuse at the hands of intimate partners may have significant medical expenses and are more likely to miss shifts at work. Domestic violence abusers are also more likely to engage violently with law enforcement, and moving them through the criminal justice system is a considerable cost.
How do you cope when a situation causes domestic violence?
In most cases, finding a way to escape an abusive relationship is the best option, but there are several caveats. Leaving a domestic abuser is the most dangerous time for a victim; evidence indicates that most men who killed their wives did so under threat of separation or after a separation had occurred.
If you or someone you know is in a relationship with an abusive partner, the best way to deal with it is likely to reach out to organizations that specialize in helping people leave violent relationships. They can provide assistance and help a person being abused find a path out of their relationship. Some reliable organizations are listed below:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
800-656-HOPE (4673)
https://hotline.rainn.org/online
State-specific resources are available at https://www.womenslaw.org/find-help.
How does domestic abuse affect the lives of survivors?
Abusive behavior can significantly affect a person’s physical and mental health. Being a survivor of domestic violence is linked to an increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide. There may also be subsequent mental health concerns after a person has left an abusive relationship, such as internalizing their former partner’s actions or blaming themselves for the abuse. Friends and family members may not be aware of the full scope of their experience, and they may struggle to communicate it.
Domestic violence survivors are likely to experience injuries that require medical treatment and are more likely to experience overall poor health. Nearly 75% of female domestic violence survivors experience a serious injury at the hands of their abuser. They may also find it challenging to engage in new relationships after being exposed to severe trauma.
What are some examples of research questions on domestic violence?
Domestic violence has been extensively researched for decades, but many unresolved questions remain surrounding how to prevent domestic violence and defend victims. A few examples are given below:
- Are there clear indications that a domestic abuser will turn to homicide?
- What environmental factors lessen or increase the intensity of domestic violence?
- How does the concept of male privilege as an abuse vector apply to female abusers?
- How does domestic violence differ in same-sex relationships?
- Does domestic violence appear differently between marital and pre-marital relationships?
What are good questions to ask a survivor?
If a person is recovering from or actively in an abusive relationship, it is likely best not to ask for details about their circumstances. Don’t pry for information about their experience, and do not ask questions that may appear judgemental (e.g., “Why didn’t you do something about this sooner?”). Instead, focus on asking questions that demonstrate your willingness to provide support.
Here are examples of some questions that might be helpful:
- “Can I help you make a safety plan?”
- “Is there anything I can do to make you feel safer?”
- “Can I take you to talk to someone about what you’re experiencing?”
- “How can I help you best?”
- “Do you need help finding resources or support?”
What is the impact of domestic violence on mental health?
Domestic violence stems from an abuser’s desire to maintain control in the relationship. It is commonly associated with violent behavior, but abuse can take many forms. Verbal abuse and financial abuse are also considered forms of violent control that seek to strip a person of their autonomy and agency.
Living in an environment of relationship abuse has serious mental health consequences. Survivors of domestic abuse are at an increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and suicide. An abusive relationship is traumatic, and a person in such a relationship is regularly exposed to traumatic situations. The constant traumatic exposure increases stress considerably, which may lead to fear and isolation.
Survivors of domestic abuse are also more likely to internalize verbal attacks from a partner. They may blame themselves for how their partner treated them and feel anger or resentment towards themselves rather than their partner. The effects of domestic violence may also make it hard for a survivor to engage in new relationships with healthy partners.
What are the consequences of violence on the survivor?
Domestic violence can cause numerous adverse mental and physical health effects. One of the most obvious consequences is the injuries caused by a physically violent partner. Injuries can be severe and are sometimes fatal. Long-term physical health effects are also common in those who survive domestic violence, such as chronic pain, digestive problems, heart problems, sleep disturbances, and problems associated with chronic stress.
Mental health problems are also common, and survivors often meet the criteria for a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder. They are also at a higher risk of depression and may struggle with fear and anxiety. It is also common for people who leave abusive relationships to find it challenging to engage in new relationships with a healthy partner. A mental health professional can likely help survivors navigate their recovery with as few long-term consequences as possible.
How do domestic mental and physical abuse affect adults intellectually?
Domestic violence is not associated with intellectual dysfunction in most adults. However, domestic violence has a higher risk for traumatic brain injury, which can significantly impact a person’s intellect and cognition. In addition, the mental health effects of domestic violence may make it harder to think overall, even if the brain has not been damaged.
Physical and psychological violence increases the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Both conditions can cause problems with memory and difficulty concentrating. A survivor of domestic violence may experience more challenges trying to think through problems or handle complex tasks.
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