What You Should Know About Domestic Violence
It may begin gradually, in ways you don’t think of as abuse, like emotional or verbal attacks. It can start when you are pregnant or when the new baby is born. These things can cause the stress level in your home or relationship to change.
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If you are a victim or survivor of abuse --
- You are not to blame for another person’s violence.
- You have the right to a safe healthy relationship.
- You deserve to be treated with respect.
- Make a safety plan in case you need to leave quickly.
- Establish contacts with friends and family so you have a place to go in an emergency.
- Consider getting a protective order to protect yourself
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Reach out for support
- You are not alone. Support and help are here. Visit SAFEaustin.org for assistance.
- Call the Safe Place 24 hour help line: 512-267-7233
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Austin Police Department Victim Services: 512-974-5037
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: 1-800-252-5400
- United Way Capitol Area: 211
- Dial 911 in an emergency
What is abuse?
Emotional Abuse
- constant criticism or making you feel bad
- blame for things that aren’t your fault
- constant jealousy
- being lied to, punished, or threatened, especially if you try to leave
Isolation
- you are prevented from seeing family or friends
- your partner is very jealous of anyone else in your life
Threats
- your partner threatens your family, friends, pets, or property
Economic Abuse
- your control over money or income is threatened
Physical Abuse
- pushing, slapping, kicking, biting, restraining, use of a weapon against you or having things thrown at you
- any action you don’t want that causes you injury or pain
Sexual Abuse
- you are forced to have sex
- you are shamed or hurt without your permission
- your partner refuses to practice birth control or safe sex
Property Destruction
- frightening you by smashing or destroying things
- damaging or stealing things that you value
Truths about abuse
No one deserves abuse.
Domestic violence is not mutual. It is not just an argument or a lover’s quarrel.
People who stay in abusive relationships do not enjoy violence. Leaving is not simple. Some people are too frightened. Some hope the abuse will stop. Many people do not know about resources or have the information they need.
Abuse can be found in all parts of the community. No one group is free from domestic violence. People from any social group can be abused.
There is no excuse for violent behavior. Using violence is a choice. There are always other ways. Substance abuse, stress, illness, and childhood abuse are often used as excuses. But the abusive person is responsible for their actions.
Abuse and pregnancy
For 1 of every 3 women who are abused, the first abuse happens during pregnancy.
An unhealthy relationship is not just physically hurtful. Emotional, verbal and sexual abuse are dangerous to your well-being and the well-being of your unborn child.
Being abused before or during your pregnancy increases your risk of miscarriage, anemia, infections, bleeding during the first and second trimester, and having a low birth weight baby.
You are not alone. Support and help are here.