Your girlfriend wants to know who you have been talking to, your boyfriend texts you repeatedly to see where you are or to stay in touch, your partner uses words to put you down, your spouse or partner hits and kicks you or you find yourself being stalked by a partner from your past.
What do these things have in common?
They are all types of Intimate Partner Violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner.
We know the problem exists and it is now time to speak up and speak out about this violence. Domestic violence affects every race, religion, gender, class and culture. According to http://Breakthecycle.org nearly 3 out of 4 Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence.
Loveisrespect.org highlights these warning signs of potential abuse:
• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do
• Pressuring or forcing you to have sex
If you are experiencing any of these signs of abuse or if your gut feeling tells you something isn’t right, seek help right away. Talk to a friend, parent, family member, law enforcement officer, co-worker, counselor, or physician.
The website, http://www.LoveisRespect.org has information, resources and a peer advocate is available for a live chat or text messaging chat.
Text “loveis” to 22522 or call 1-866-331-9474.
Want to learn more? Check out the online Power and Control Wheel from the Love is Respect website
http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/power-and-control-wheel
The wheel allows you to navigate around the perimeter of the wheel and see information, short videos, talking points, and tips for different types of abuse. Use this interactive wheel to lead discussions with teens, young adults, or others.
Topics on the Power and Control Wheel include:
- Isolation/Exclusion
- Peer Pressure
- Anger/Emotional
- Using Social Status
- Sexual Coercion
- Intimidation
- Minimize/Deny/Blame
- Threats
Remember, if you have the feeling that something isn’t right with your relationship, seek help and talk to someone about your concerns. Listen to the little voice that is telling you to make a change.
Writer: Michelle Treber, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University, Pickaway County, Heart of Ohio EERA, treber.1@osu.edu
Reviewer: Marilyn Rabe, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County, Heart of Ohio EERA, rabe.9@osu.edu
Resources:
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Fact Sheet, 2014, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control available from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/ipv_factsheet.html
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