Domestic Violence Awareness Month
One in every four women is beaten or raped by a partner during adulthood and three women are killed each day by a current or former intimate partner according to National Network to End Domestic Violence. Domestic violence spans every age group, socio-economic level, race, religion and orientation in our society. In an effort to call attention to this grave issue, and reach out to victims and advocates, October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Victims of domestic abuse need to be recognized as a class of people who deserve higher protection under the law,” Chicago attorney Martin Dolan of Dolan Legal explains.
Dolan offers these signs of domestic violence and safety tips for those in an abusive relationship:
WARNING SIGNS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
– Your partner:
·Has unpredictable temper
·Makes threats and/or hurts you
·Sees you as a sex object
·Threatens to commit suicide if you leave
·Acts overly possessive and/or controlling
·Keeps you away from family or friends
RED FLAGS
– Tactics used by an abuser include:
·Dominance
·Humiliation
·Isolation
·Threats
·Intimidation
·Denial/blame
LOOK FOR THE TYPICAL “CYCLE OF VIOLENCE” (Resource–http://helpguide.org)
·Abuse
·Guilt
·“Normal” behavior
·Fantasy/planning
·Set-up
SAFETY TIPS
·Know your abuser’s red flags
·Identify safe areas in your home
·Make a list of emergency contacts and be prepared to contact them when warning signs and red flags appear
·Always be prepared to leave
For more information on domestic violence call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-787-3224 or 1-800-799-SAFE.
