Millions of women, children, teens, elderly, and partners suffer from domestic abuse. There is a major issue with domestic violence and the manipulation, abuse, and control that come from it. Women who are victims of domestic violence have to live with the aftermath of trauma for years to come.
Women stay silent and think there is no way out. Their abusers make them believe they can’t make it without them. Abusers make them feel that they are weak. Many victims of abuse stay in many abusive situations.
Partner violence is not the only form of domestic abuse. Parents can abuse children. Elders can face abuse when they depend on family. It is important to understand that domestic abuse can even come with friends who turn out to be an abuser.
There are many ways to see it. You can feel anxiety or change your behavior around the person to prevent conflict. This is a sign that they are manipulative or controlling. If you need to change yourself or behavior to avoid conflict with a friend or family member, it is abuse.
There is an epidemic among African American women. African American die in record numbers from domestic abuse or partner violence. More than 40 percent of African American women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime (Blackburn Center, 2020). 1in3 of African American women experience domestic violence (Blackburn Center, 2020). Domestic violence is not based on race. It can happen to anyone no matter their race, background, or financial status. Though this is true, African American women’s domestic violence statistics stay on the rise each year.
No matter what you have been told if you are married God never intended for us to be abused. He would never want women to risk their lives to stay with an abusive spouse. Domestic violence can have a fatal ending. Do not stay silent. There are resources in the community and emergency numbers that you can call. It can be hard navigating the resources and qualifying for the assistance, but there is support. One step at a time you can become free from the abuse.
Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence R.I.S.E. 