Unfortunately, domestic violence is a crime that many are far too familiar with. In fact, according to the National Council Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), there were over 180,000 cases of domestic violence just in the state of Florida during the year 2018. And while many of us have an idea of what domestic violence is, the truth is it can take many forms — including some that you may have not even considered before.

In this article, the goal is to clearly lay out what’s considered domestic violence so that you can have a better understanding. By having a better understanding of the warning signs and different types of domestic abuse as well as the behaviors exhibited by domestic abusers, we can begin to tackle this epidemic.

First, let us establish that domestic violence is NOT just a routine verbal argument between a couple — it’s something far more sinister and involved than that. When it comes to wrapping your head around what is/is not domestic violence the most important things to remember that domestic violence — above all else — comes down to somebody abusing power and/or relationship dynamics in order to cause physical, mental, or emotional harm to an intimate partner. Oftentimes, domestic abusers will find ways to leverage situations in which they have some sort of power or control over their intimate partner.

While many of us first think of physical abuse when we think about domestic violence, it can take on so many other, perhaps lesser-known, forms as well. By abusing power and control, domestic abusers can use things such as intimidation, coercion, threats, and isolation in order to make a victim feel alone or helpless in a scenario in which they are being abused.

Another common form that domestic abuse can take is emotional, in which the abuser consistently and hurtfully tears down their intimate partner with words and using mind games, tricks, and gaslighting in order to convince their victims that they are “acting insane”.

Additionally, it is important to look out for warning signs of domestic violence. Behaviors such as using weapons to threaten an intimate partner, or legitimately preventing their intimate partner from getting an education or holding down employment are just some examples of warning signs to domestic abuse. There is the utmost importance of being able to spot these warning signs both in your own relationships and in those of your family/friends, for a more complete list of warning signs please visit the following webpage from the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Victims of domestic abuse are often hesitant to come forward for a number of different reasons, not least of which is that it can oftentimes feel difficult to even know where to begin. Luckily, there are a number of different resources to combat this feeling of hopelessness. If you, or someone you know, are suffering from domestic violence then a good place to start is with our priority line at 305-409-3636 or send us an email.