May 11th, 2009
Intimate Partner Violence, also known as Domestic Violence and Dating Violence, is a very secretive affair. Folks don’t talk about it, but approximately one in four couples (straight and same-sex) experience it. (Barnes, It’s Just a Quarrel’, American Bar Association Journal, February 1998, p. 25.) Most of the times, it remains a secret out of shame and embarrassment. Other times, partners might not identify the dynamics as abuse or violence. What ever the case, you don’t have to accept this kind of relationship.
Intimate Partner Violence can take physical, psychic, and emotional forms. Sometimes, physical violence is preceded by emotional abuse. These types of situations can escalate. Violent childhoods, addictions, untreated mental illnesses, stress and poor finances can contribute to people hurting their partners. We all deserve respect. If you’re in a situation and don’t know what to do, you can call one of these hotlines:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233
Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-832-1901
To heal from the effects of abuse, seeing a therapist is often helpful. Feel free to call me at 202/460-6384 for a consultation.