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Domestic violence is physical and/or emotional attacks directed at one's partner. It is a power-based reaction to a perceived loss of control, particularly of oneself or one's life, that results in attempts to control others, particularly intimate partners, as a way of alleviating the fear and accompanying anxiety.
Victims experience humiliation, erosion of self-esteem, a loss of control over their lives, feelings of helplessness, fear of physical injury or death, fear of having their children taken from them by their partner, isolation, depression, numbness, or anger.
Perpetrators create a wide range of destructive consequences because of their actions. The potential long-term impact is that they may lose any chance of achieving intimacy with their partners or their children. As violent behaviors escalate, the lives of their families are placed at risk. The fear of losing control of their rage often dominates the lives of these men. Depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems are exacerbated by the violent and abusive behaviors, sometimes making the perpetrators even more dangerous to themselves or others.
Children living in families experiencing domestic violence are at risk of being abused physically and/or emotionally. They often experience low self-esteem, impaired intellectual development, inability to concentrate, and difficulty making friends. They are at an increased risk of acting out behaviors at school and home, choosing an abusive life partner, becoming an abuser, and participating in criminal acts.
The Community is affected through increased medical costs for victims, absenteeism in the workplace, violence in the workplace, and the continuation of the cycle of violence by the children at home and in the community.
There are many factors that contribute to domestic violence behaviors. Learned attitudes and beliefs about gender roles and conflict resolution, as well as the personality development and coping abilities of the individual that influence these behavior patterns. In some cases, mental illness or physiological problems may also cause the abusive behaviors. The continuum of motivators for partner violence includes a desire to control the other person, anger release, and sadism. Many perpetrators appear to be violent and in control of their behavior at the same time. Others seem to lose complete control of their behavior during violent episodes. The ultimate result of both groups is that they control the others around them through terror. Fear, rather than love, becomes the dominant binding force of the family.
Family Service
of the Piedmont offers victim advocate services, including
crisis intervention, victim support through legal
and medical proceedings, a 24-hour crisis line, shelters
for battered women and their children (Clara House
& Carpenter House), a women's therapy group and
a children's treatment group. In addition, groups
for male batters, and individual and family counseling
are also available. Call 336-387-6161 in Greensboro
or 336-889-6161 in High Point to request services.
Confidential
Policy and Procedures
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