IT’S NOT ALWAYS THE HOLLYWOOD VERSION BUT IT’S ABUSE JUST THE SAME. So let’s take a look at some definitions & descriptions of Family Violence:

(The following information has been taken from U.S. Department of Agriculture Safety, Health & Employee Welfare Division Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook) &Texas Council on Family Violence.)

Domestic violence can occur within a number of relationships, such as violence between husband & wife, abuse of elders by family members, abuse between roommates, dating couples, teen relationships, and even in lesbian & gay relationships.

When we think of domestic violence we usually think of it in terms of physical violence but there are several tactics the abuser will use in order to maintain power & control over his or her partner. So let’s take a look at some of the tactics including physical abuse. Keep in mind that any one of these forms of abuse can & have led to suicide or murder/suicide.

• Physical Violence:

•to push, punch, slap, kick, throw objects, choke, and/or use of weapons.

• Verbal/Emotional Violence:

• putting her/him down.

• making her/him feel bad about themselves.

• calling her/him names.

• making her/him think their crazy.

• playing mind games.

• humiliating her/him.

• making her/him feel guilty.

• Sexual Violence:

• unwanted touching, sexual insults, unfaithfulness, false accusations and/or forced sex (rape).

• Coercion & Threats:

• Making &/or carrying out threats to do something to hurt her/him.

• threatening to leave her/him, to commit suicide, or to report her/him to welfare.

• making her/him drop charges.

• threatening to take away the children/hurt the children.

• Intimidation:

• Using looks, actions or gestures to intimidate.

• smashing things.

• destroying her/his personal property.

• abusing pets.

• displaying weapons.

• Isolation:

•Controlling what she/he does, who she/he sees & talks to, what they read, & where they go.

• limiting her/him outside involvement.

• using jealousy to justify actions.

• Economic Abuse:

• Preventing her/him from getting or keeping a job.

• controlling all the finances.

We can no longer close our minds & our eyes to this injustice. To quote Edmund Burke, a famous Anglo-Irish statesman, author, orator, political theorist & philosopher who served many years in the British House of Commons as a member of the Whig party, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” I think that says it all!

If you or anyone you know needs help please contact Off the Beaten Path Ministries, Inc. (325) 372-3276 email: deevickery@yahoo.com; www.deevickeryministries.com