Stressful economic situations can trigger domestic abuse more than at any other times. Although it is more common that domestic abuse victims are women, they can also be men. Domestic abuse is not just physical; it can be mental and emotional as well, leaving deep scars on the victim. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is the first step toward getting help before it escalates to domestic violence.
When one person in the intimate relationship tries to dominate and totally control the other person it is domestic abuse. Contrary to popular belief, the abuser is not �out of control;� abusers know what they are doing. They use anger and breaking things in front of the victim or leaving weapons on display as a tool to scare the victim. They use intimidation, humiliation, and fear to wear the victim down and make them feel defective and defenseless in order to gain complete control over them. More subtle ways of abuse is name calling, �the look� or gesture of warning, and public put downs that chip away at the victims self-esteem. Isolation is another tool, cutting the victim off from the outside world, not allowing them to see other people except when the abuser is present. When the abuser is confronted with their actions, they make excuses for the inexcusable and blame everyone and everything but themselves, even making the victim feel responsible for the problem.
In order to end domestic abuse, everyone must be able to recognize it when it occurs. If it is happening to you, there are places that can help. If you see it happening to someone else, talk to the victim, help them find help or if you are closer to the abuser, point out that there is help for them, and encourage them to get help.
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