How To Identify and Help Domestic Violence Victims

Disclaimer: This episode contains a discussion on domestic violence, which can also be known as intimate partner violence or narcissistic abuse, strangulation, homicide, stalking, sexual assault, etc. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence relationship, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text the word START to 88788. 

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As a Forensic Nurse Examiner, I care for patients during some of their most vulnerable times and most of those cases involve some form of domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness and in my recent episode of Nurse Converse podcast I discuss, 

• The various forms of abuse, some types may surprise you as being abuse.
• How abuse impacts victims, even if it’s not “physical”.
• The critical cycle of violence. 
• The role nurses play in supporting victims. 
• How we, as healthcare workers, can create a compassionate environment that empowers individuals to break free from abuse and begin their healing journey.

Domestic violence is a horrific and oftentimes cyclical form of abuse that transcends demographics, affecting individuals regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. While domestic violence is usually linked to physical abuse, it’s important to recognize that DV is not only physical; it encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviors, each capable of inflicting lasting harm on victims.

• Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is the most recognized form of domestic violence. It involves actions such as hitting, slapping, kicking, or strangling, inflicting severe harm that can leave both physical and emotional scars. 
• Emotional Abuse: Often overlooked, emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence. It includes manipulative behaviors that erode a person’s self-worth, such as name-calling and belittling. A poignant survivor’s statement highlights this: “My bones healed over time, but I’ll never forget the things he said to me while he was breaking them.” 
• Financial Abuse: Financial control is another insidious form of domestic violence. Abusers may restrict access to money or control all financial decisions, creating a dependency that makes it difficult for victims to escape their situations.
• Sexual Abuse: Sexual coercion or assault is a critical aspect of domestic violence. Consent is paramount in any relationship, and threats or manipulation can lead to forced sexual acts against a partner’s will.
• Isolation and Stalking: Abusers often isolate victims from friends and family, exacerbating feelings of dependency. Stalking behaviors, such as tracking movements or following partners, can escalate to severe consequences, including homicide—a phenomenon referred to as “homicide in slow motion.”

Domestic violence affects individuals across all demographics. 

• Alarming statistics reveal that more than one in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have experienced some form of intimate partner violence. 
• Moreover, children exposed to violence in the home are significantly more likely to become victims themselves.

The misconception that domestic violence is a private matter can perpetuate the cycle of violence. It’s crucial to understand that the implications of domestic violence extend far beyond the home, affecting the community as a whole.

The Cycle of Violence: Identify The 3 Phases

The cycle of violence is a critical concept in understanding domestic abuse. It typically consists of three phases: 

1. Tension Building  

 In this phase, tension escalates, with the abuser exhibiting frustration that creates an atmosphere of fear. Victims often feel they must tread carefully to avoid triggering an outburst.

2. The Explosion  

 The explosion phase is characterized by a significant incident of violence or abuse. The abuser may lash out, causing physical or emotional harm. The victim is often left confused and scared, questioning their reality. Abusers may manipulate victims by blaming them for the violence.

3. The Honeymoon Phase  

 After an explosion, the abuser may express remorse, shower the victim with affection, and promise that the abuse will never happen again. This creates a false sense of security and can confuse the victim, who may cling to the hope that their partner will change.

Healthcare workers play a pivotal role in identifying and supporting victims of domestic violence. Many victims first disclose their situation to medical professionals. Thus, training in recognizing signs of abuse is critical. 

• Creating a Safe Environment: Healthcare providers should ensure discussions about domestic violence occur in a safe, private setting. This fosters trust and encourages victims to share their experiences.
• Screening and Assessment: Asking the right questions compassionately can help identify victims. A supportive assessment can be life-saving.
• Providing Resources: Victims often need tangible resources to escape abusive situations. Healthcare workers can connect them with local advocacy groups and hotlines like the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
• Addressing Systemic Issues: Advocating for better resources and support systems for victims can help address broader challenges they face.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of domestic violence is vital for both healthcare workers and society at large. By recognizing the various forms of abuse and their impact across all demographics, we can foster a more compassionate approach to supporting victims.

Creating an environment where victims feel safe to come forward is paramount. When they know they will be believed and supported, it can empower them to break free from the cycle of violence. Ultimately, addressing domestic violence requires collective efforts from society to support victims and hold abusers accountable. Through understanding, empathy, and action, we can help those affected find their strength and begin the healing process.

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