Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can affect all across race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. The severity and frequency of violent behaviors can vary dramatically. It may appear as behaviors that physically harm, or scare to maintain power and control over another. This unequal power struggle can involve pets or children to create emotional leverage over another person. Sexual coercion, emotional abuse, insults, and threats can all manifest in this type of intimate relationship. 

Victims of domestic violence may experience high anxiety, depression, a sense of helplessness, or diminished self-worth. This may be in part due to others’ expectations or assumptions that once a victim chooses to leave, it ends. I will offer you psychological support, work with you to help you extract yourself from the situation safely, and be your ally if you choose to hold the abuser accountable within our legal system.

Domestic violence is increasing and is destructive for all the members of the family unit. There is a noticeable tendency for the violent physical behavior to be passed down from generation to generation.  While the majority of abusers are male, there are more and more instances of female involvement. This makes it extremely important that effective methods are developed for combating abusive behaviors. Domestic violence has both a  physical or psychological component. There is no stereotype for an abuser. Abusers can be any age, race, or sexual orientation. In many instances, the abusers may want to scare, physically hurt, or blame and control a partner. Domestic violence typically involves an unequal power scenario in which one partner tries to assert control over the other.  This can involve a variety of different means. Psychological abuse can include verbal insults and threats, emotional abuse, and even sexual dominance. Some abusers may also threaten the children, pets, or other family members and use this as a means to control the victim, assert dominance and obtain their ends. Often family members as well as victims begin to experience diminished self-worth. Frequently victims also feel intense anxiety, depression, and a lack of self-confidence. The victim feels helpless in the situation and helpless to bring about a change. These emotions must be addressed over time and often professional help is required to overcome these negative feelings and poor self-image.