Domestic Violence Specialist

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence refers to a type of abuse that typically involves a partner or spouse, but it can also involve a child, relative, or another family member. Domestic violence can include:

• Physical violence that might cause injuries such as broken bones or bruises
• Sexual violence
• Threats of sexual or physical violence
• Emotional abuse that can lead to anxiety, depression, or social isolation
• Economic abuse and controlling access to money
• Stalking and causing fear for your own safety

More commonly, women are victims of domestic violence. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some type of physical violence by an intimate partner and 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have suffered an injury by an intimate partner.

Outbursts of domestic violence tend to be unpredictable and episodic. Domestic violence can lead to mental health conditions, such as PTSD.

Physical abuse

The most obvious form of domestic violence is physical abuse that can include hitting, slapping, punching, breaking bones, kicking, pushing, pulling hair, twisting arms, choking, beating, and burning. Food or sleep might also be withheld and weapons might be used to threaten or cause harm.

Sexual assault

Sexual assault involves the use of force or threats to coerce sexual contact, such as unwanted grabbing, touching, kissing, and rape.

Psychological abuse

Psychological abuse is common and often accompanies sexual or physical abuse. Psychological abuse refers to any non-physical behavior that undermines, belittles, or exerts control, such as social isolation, abusive language, financial control, humiliation, intimidation, and threats.

How is domestic violence managed or treated?

The first step to get help is to tell someone you know you can trust, such as a friend, family member, or co-worker. You can also call a domestic violence helpline, call 911, or visit an emergency shelter.

You may feel desperate and unable to leave a situation of domestic abuse due to:

• Feeling financially dependent on the perpetrator
• Feeling a lack of support
• Fear that planning or trying to leave could trigger more abuse
• Fear of what your perpetrator will do after you leave, such as stalking you or hurting someone you love
• Believing that your abuser will change
• Still loving and caring for your abuser
• Believing that this abuse might be normal (for example, due to a cultural belief or upbringing)

Dr. Buffington provides psychotherapy to help reduce the effects and symptoms caused by a history of domestic violence. Call Buffington Family Medicine to get the support you deserve.