Domestic Violence
Dear Editor: As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to educate the community on the warning signs and impacts of domestic violence and also empower victims and survivors by reducing the stigma and shame surrounding this form of violence. Acknowledging domestic violence exists in our community, understanding the dynamics of domestic violence, and believing victims and survivors are the first steps we can take towards eradicating violence in our community.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence, often referred to as intimate partner violence or interpersonal violence is when one person uses violence to maintain power and control over another person in a relationship. It varies in from physical to non-physical forms of abuse, including:
–Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Undermining someone’s self-worth and self-esteem, could include: manipulation, constant criticism, threats, name calling, or put downs. Intimidation, threatening to harm oneself, pets or property, and forced isolation are examples of psychological abuse.
–Financial Abuse: Controlling finances, withholding money, or preventing a partner from working.
–Sexual Abuse: Coercion, forced sexual acts, or any unwanted sexual contact.
–Physical Abuse: Hitting, shoving, slapping, punching, biting, hair pulling, etc… are examples of physical abuse. Strangulation is one of the most severe forms of physical abuse and indicator of a highly lethal perpetrator.
Anyone can be affected by domestic violence regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious background. Recognizing that anyone can be impacted, and that perpetrators come from every background is important to breaking the stigma.
Red flags or warning signs that someone might be in an abusive relationship include:
–Isolation from friends and family
–Constant monitoring or checking in by partner
–Unexplained injuries or frequent absences
–Low self-esteem or extreme anxiety
–Excuses for partner’s behavior
If you know someone who may be in an abusive relationship, it is important to be supportive without placing shame, blame or guilt on them. Things you can do to support a loved one experiencing abuse include:
–Offering specific help such as childcare, transportation, or a safe space for them to talk
–Offering help with a safety plan
–Encouraging them to talk to someone such as a confidential domestic violence advocate
–Continuing to be supportive regardless whether they leave the relationship or stay in it. Leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time.
If someone decides to stay, they might be doing the safest thing for them at that moment and being further alienated from safe support will make it less likely they will be able to safely leave in the future.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, SAFV Advocates are available for support 24/7 and can be reached at 907 747-3370.
This year, SAFV is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month by attempting to create a safe space to center the voices of those impacted first hand by this form of abuse. Victims and survivors of domestic violence often feel silenced for many reasons including safety concerns and shame. This year, we are centering the voices of those impacted first hand by interpersonal violence. We will display survivors’ stories anonymously at Sitka Public Library, and on SAFV’s website and FB page to educate the community on the impacts of DV while empowering those with lived experiences to share their stories in a safe way. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SAFVStories to submit a confidential story.
You are not alone. There is no shame in being a survivor.
Sitkans Against Family Violence Staff
