When people think of domestic violence they assume that it means a black eye or scars and bruises all over a woman’s body, but there is much more to it than just visible marks and it can happen to anyone.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States and females who are 18-24 years of age are most commonly abused by an intimate partner.
If an intimate partner is trying to control you by cutting off your friends and family, not giving you freedom to wear what you want, say what you want, or spend your own money how you would like to then these are all signs of abuse. If your partner is calling you fat, ugly, or comparing you to other people they find attractive then that is also forms of abuse.
“Get out of the relationship as soon as possible. It’s not worth the hurt and stress that you put upon yourself,” said Brianna Scott, early childhood education major.
Emotional abuse can leave just as much, or even more, of a toll on someone. Mind games and questioning to the point where you are scared to answer their calls is extremely dangerous and sometimes the trickiest of situations to get out of because no matter what your loved ones are telling you, you find ways to blame yourself and make excuses.
“There is someone out there who will love and treat you the way you should be treated,” said Scott.
No one will ever know every little detail of what you have put up with in your relationship and you do not have to explain it to them either. Only you will know when you are ready to leave. Until then, not your best friend, mom, dad, or sibling will be able to get you out of the situation.
If you are trying to end a toxic relationship and you are afraid of the outcome then consider doing the following things:
● Be clear and concise when breaking up with your partner and do it in a safe environment.
● Block their phone number.
● Delete them off of your social networks.
● Confide in someone you trust, who can provide you with moral support.
● Do not do things you will regret after the breakup out of spite or hard feelings.
● When you’re ready, delete pictures and remove things from your life that lead to painful memories of that person.
“Before embarking on a new relationship, make yourself a list of standards,” said Jordan Lewis, Aviation Management Technology Major.
If a relationship or breakup becomes dangerous, seek help. Whether it is therapy, counseling, or going to the authorities. If there are kids involved, then make them a priority and give them a healthier environment or they might just repeat the pattern.
If you need professional help then call the The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1(800)799-7233 or you can contact Safe House Center, located at 4100 Clark Rd. Ann Arbor, MI.
“Every new relationship should be an upgrade from the last,” said Lewis.
