What is domestic violence

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is often minimized, yet it can leave deep and lasting scars.

Noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear of the person they love. If you recognize yourself or someone you know in the following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out. There is help available.

Domestic violence and abuse does not discriminate. It happens among heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more commonly victimized, men are also abused—especially verbally and emotionally, although sometimes even physically as well. The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether it’s coming from a man, a woman, a teenager, or an older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.

Click on this link for more information on abuse.......helpguide.org

Abuse is not always physical, there is verbal, emotional,spiritual,silence and financial. 

Warning signs for friends, family members, and coworkers for recognizing people who may be victims of intimate partner abuse. Specifically, teens, men, or women who are often absent from school or work, have numerous injuries they try to explain away, low self-esteem, show a change in their personality, fear of conflicts, passive-aggressive behavior, blame themselves, seem isolated, or demonstrate

www.ncadv.org For more information about domestic violence on a national level.

How to leave an abuser

If your life is in danger and you do not have time to make arrangements, you should leave everything behind and flee. You can call 1-800-799-SAFE(7233) TTY 1-800-787-3224 from any telephone and they will help to direct you to safe places in your area or dial 911.

"Getting ready to leave" Things to have pictures of physical abuse if any, know where you are going, make sure you get all your important papers like birth certificates, shot records for the kids if you have them, pack some clothing, save some money if possible, plan for a quick escape and take important numbers of friends,parents, relatives,doctors and schools.