Although we may feel safe from the threat of domestic abuse, that it happens to others but couldn’t possibly happen to us, the reality is that anyone can be a victim.
It doesn’t matter what your age, ethnicity, economic status, or what your sexual orientation is- everyone can be vulnerable.
Similarly, Abusers can take many different forms- male or female, young or old, maybe they’re your sibling, parent, or partner.
And even the abuse itself can be varied, outside of the physical violence we tend to associate it with most (i.e., verbal, emotional, and mental abuse).
Looking in from the outside, some may assume the victim has the ability to leave, but sometimes that is not the case.
The twisted dynamics of fear and control in an abusive relationship can paralyze a person- keep them stuck and helpless in a harmful situation.
Abuse is not just physical. Abuse doesn’t only affect women. Abuse is not the fault of the victim.
Instead it’s our responsibility to continue to bring awareness and provide resources to victims.
There are many domestic violence resources available in your area. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 with options to call, text and or chat.
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