Twenty people are physically abused by their intimate partner every 60 seconds in the U.S. While domestic violence has decreased in the past decade, it is still one of the most common violent crimes that takes place and is easily one of the least reported. While half of all domestic violence cases are reported to the police, only one in five women who are physically injured by domestic violence seek medical treatment for their injuries, according to the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In the vast majority of cases (85 percent), women are the victims of domestic violence.
Recovery Process
Recovering from domestic violence can be a long process and many victims find that working with a therapist can help the healing immensely. In addition to individual therapy, it can also be helpful for victims to also work with the different domestic violence support groups and programs that help victims recover and make themselves whole after living with domestic violence.
There are shelters for battered women and children to escape the abuse immediately and hotlines to offer support today. While the first steps are to report the abuse to the police, contact a lawyer, and get away from the abuse, the end-goal process of healing takes more time and self-care. For that, there are a variety of options to choose from, including therapy, group therapy, and counseling from a licensed psychologist.
Over Half of Domestic Violence Victims Do Not Report the Abuse
To understand the reasons why each victim decides not to come forward about their attacker’s violence, one must understand the relationship of power and fear of intimate partner abuse, which can be very difficult to do without first-hand experience of domestic violence. However, the most common reasons that domestic violence goes unreported, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, are as follows. The victim does not leave the abusive relationship, among other reasons, because:
· The victim fears that the abuser’s violence will only escalate.
· The abuser threatened to kill himself, the victim or the victim’s friends, pets, children.
· The victim still loves the abuser and believes that they will discontinue the abuse.
· The victim believes abuse is normal.
· The victim financially depends on the abuser.
· The abuser threatened to abduct the victim’s children if she/he leaves.
· Cultural or religious believes intervene from leaving or reporting.
· The victim is embarrassed.
· The victim has no place to go if they report the abuse.
· The victim fears retaliation from the abuser’s friends or family members.
Call a Therapist Today
If you are the victim of domestic violence, there is hope in a path to safety and recovery. Contact the experienced therapists at a clinic to set up an appointment with compassionate therapists. They understand the trauma you have endured and are here to help you heal and put your life back together.