When a relationship is healthy, it can be a rewarding experience that is filled with love. When it is built off of respect, understanding, and love, it can last for years to come. However, not everyone’s relationships are built on these fundamental ideals. Some people crave power and control in their romantic relationships. When these two desires meet, domestic abuse can occur.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline describes Domestic Abuse as:
…a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. – National Domestic Violence Hotline
This can include many types of abuse with varying degrees of severity. One thing remains true: domestic violence is never okay.
If you think you are victim to domestic violence or know someone who might be, the best course of action is to get help right away. If you are in a dangerous situation, a hot line will be able to meet your needs. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
If you are recovering from a domestic violence situation or think seeing a counselor is the best route for you, Thriveworks Pueblo is here to help. Give us a call to talk about next steps at (719) 838-6383.
How Do I Know If I’m in a Domestic Abuse Situation?
Domestic abuse never starts out violent. Often, survivors will say their abuser was the perfect partner to begin with. They explain how they felt loved and cared for, secure and valued. Slowly, that begins to change.
Domestic violence perpetrators use any coercion necessary to get the power and control they crave. They can resort to physical abuse, but that is often an extreme show of power that reinforces smaller, persistent abuse that exists throughout the day and starts much earlier. Recognizing the smaller acts of aggression earlier on can save you from more violent forms of aggression later on.
Abuse in a relationship is rarely a one-and-done event. The abusing partner will continue to crave power, and oftentimes the abuse worsens as time goes on. If you think you are in a domestic abusive relationship, or know someone who is, reach out now. Thriveworks Pueblo Counseling has trained, dedicated professionals who will help you take the next steps.
Remember that domestic violence can be physically harming, or it can be acts that arouse fear, limit freedoms, financial control, or sexual coercion. Domestic violence does not wear one face, but Thriveworks Pueblo counseling and therapy will stand with you no matter what your situation.
Some red flags to look for in a potentially abusive relationship include:
- Verbal insults or actions that damage self-esteem and image
- Control over social outings or extreme jealously over time spent with anyone besides them.
- Slurs, name-calling, or passive-aggressive conversations
- Blaming the victim for everything, even things that are inconsequential or nonexistent
- Controls finances
- Verbal intimidation
- Controls comings and goings of their victims as well as who they can interact with
- Controls their victim’s decision making
- Renders punishment for disobedience
- Controls employment or stalks victims while at work or school
- Destroys property
- Intimidation with weapons
- Sexual force or rape
- Forced drug or alcohol use
Relationships are meant to be a sacred bond of trust and love. You should never feel unsafe or lesser with your partner. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reminds us that:
“Dating someone, being in a relationship, or being married never means that you owe your partner intimacy of any kind.”
You are still in control of your own life, even if your partner is making it feel like you’re not. Thriveworks Pueblo is here to help you take the next steps into a life that is truly and fully your own.
How Can Thriveworks Pueblo Help?
Our counselors want to remind you that if you are immediate danger, call 911 or a local hotline. Our Pueblo domestic violence counselors can help you navigate the aftermaths of a domestic violence relationship by communicating with local authorities and help you find safe housing and means of living, but we are not an immediate hotline.
Our specialty lies in the healing process. Counseling after a domestic violence situation can help you for years to come. It doesn’t seem fair that you lived through a violent relationship just to continue living with the trauma after it. Our counselors strive to help you live a life free from your past.
A counseling session with Thriveworks Pueblo might cover:
- Working through past trauma and abusive relationships
- Finding healthy coping mechanisms
- Building a supportive community
- Strengthening personal skills and passions
- Rebuilding your life in the way you want it to
Recovering from a domestic abuse situation is hard work. The trauma and unjust harm done against you is not your fault. Your healing, on the other hand, is in your hands. It is never too late to start. Together, we can take the steps towards building a healthy, happy life.
Thriveworks Pueblo guarantees a counseling session within 48 hours of calling. Call us now at (719) 838-6383.
