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Additional Information
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As domestic violence
awareness has increased, it has become evident that abuse
can occur within a number of relationships. The laws in many
states cover incidents of violence occurring between married
couples, as well as abuse of elders by family members, abuse
between roommates, dating couples and those in lesbian and
gay relationships.
In an abusive relationship,
the abuser may use a number of tactics other than physical
violence in order to maintain power and control over his or
her partner:
Emotional and
verbal abuse:
Survivors of domestic
violence recount stories of put-downs, public humiliation,
name-calling, mind games and manipulation by their partners.
Many say that the emotional abuse they have suffered has left
the deepest scars.
Isolation:
It is common for
an abuser to be extremely jealous, and insist that the victim
not see her friends or family members. The resulting feeling
of isolation may then be increased for the victim if she loses
her job as a result of absenteeism or decreased productivity
(which are often associated with people who are experiencing
domestic violence).
Threats and
Intimidation:
Threats -- including
threats of violence, suicide, or of taking away the children
-- are a very common tactic employed by the batterer.
The existence of
emotional and verbal abuse, attempts to isolate, and threats
and intimidation within a relationship may be an indication
that physical abuse is to follow. Even if they are not accompanied
by physical abuse, the effect of these incidents must not
be minimized. Many of the resources listed in this book have
information available for people who are involved with an
emotionally abusive intimate partner.
To read the rest
of this excellent publication on domestic violence, produced
by the US Department of Agriculture, Safety, Health and Employee
Welfare Division, please click here: http://www.usda.gov/da/shmd/aware.htm
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Additional
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