October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), which was formed to raise awareness about the repercussions of domestic violence and bring together those fighting to end it. The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” Included within that definition are physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological and technological abuse. More than a third of women and a quarter of men in this country have been raped, physically attacked and/or stalked by an intimate partner and nearly half of men and women have experienced psychological aggression from an intimate partner in their lifetimes according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Victims may not know all the signs of or be reluctant to reveal domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs provide an informative image, the Power and Control Wheel, which helps victims and those concerned about possible victims identify signs of domestic abuse, both subtle and blatant. The wheel breaks down these approaches into the following categories: physical and sexual violence, coercion and threats, intimidation, economic abuse, male privilege, use of children, isolation, emotional abuse and minimizing, denying and blaming.
For example, a male abuser may tell a female partner that he will take the kids. He may block her from getting a job to control her finances, gaslight her, blame her for his violence and distance her from those who could protect her from it. You can view a copy of this wheel at the National Domestic Violence Hotline or download your own at theduluthmodel.org/wheel-gallery/. Male privilege (such as asserting a wife is the husband’s servant) is a common method of domestic abuse, but men and those who don’t conform to gender identities can be victims of domestic abuse as well.
Financial abuse is a widespread form of partner control. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the majority of those experiencing domestic abuse remain longer than they would have with an abuser because they simply don’t have the financial means to leave. The National Domestic Violence Hotline says one in three of the survivors who called them in 2022 cited financial abuse. Helping survivors take steps toward financial independence is one of many ways that nonprofit organizations and corporate partners can assist.
A victim resource program through the National Center for Victims of Crime describes several steps for leaving and surviving domestic abusers, including calling 9-1-1 when under immediate threat, getting a protective order, seeking help at a hotline, going to counseling, creating a safety plan, working with an advocate and self-care. The best approach may vary depending on circumstances, so consulting with an advocate or other resource may help.
Luckily, there are many resources out there. If you are a victim, a family member or friend of one or a perpetrator of domestic violence seeking to change, there is a service for you, the National Domestic Violence Hotline. This free, confidential service is available 24-7 and can address questions in 140 languages with the aid of their interpreter. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “start” to 88788 or chat at thehotline.org. This website has a quick exit button if you fear being seen viewing it. The hotline can link you to resources, including for financial assistance.
Eskenazi Health Center of Hope works closely with victims’ assistance agencies as well as with prosecutors and local law enforcement to provide care for victims of sexual assault and family violence in the Indianapolis area. Call 317-880-8006 for their assistance or read about the resources they offer on their website.
To find other local resources, volunteer opportunities and ways to donate to the cause of ending this abuse, go to the Domestic Violence Network or Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D., family medicine specialist with Eskenazi Health Center Grande