Types of Abuse
True or False? Domestic Violence is only physical abuse.
False. Domestic Violence can be any type of abuse.
True or False? The only negative effect you can experience from Domestic Violence is physical injury.
False. Even if the abuse itself is physical, it can lead to many harmful mental and emotional effects.
List one warning sign (characteristic) that a person could potentially become abusive in the future.
Extreme Jealousy, Possessiveness, Controlling Attitude, Low Self-Esteem, Unpredictable Mood Swings, Alcohol and Drug Use, Explosive Anger
List 3 Characteristics of a Healthy Relationship
Examples: RESPECT, Open communication, trust, healthy boundaries, honesty, love, loyalty, forgiveness, individuality, support/encouragement
An abuser's main goal is to maintain ________ over the person they are abusing (victim).
Power or control.
True or False? All instances of abuse are domestic violence.
False. A qualifying relationship must exist in order for any type of abuse to be considered domestic violence.
True or False? Everyone who is affected by Domestic Violence will experience the same effects.
False. There are lot of different effects that can occur as a result of exposure to domestic violence. How a person may respond is based on a number of factors including, but not limited to: age, nature of relationship, severity of abuse, and length of abuse.
List one red flag in a relationship that could signify that it is abusive.
Partner often has extreme moments of anger, following by “I’m sorry” or “It’ll never happen again” with no changed behavior, Blaming you for problems in the relationship and not taking any responsibility for the same, Partner gaslights you (you're crazy, I never said that, etc.) Partner embarrasses, intimidates, or threatens you
Give two examples of specific things that partners may do in a healthy relationship.
Give each other space/independence, Encourage them to follow their dreams/support them, Give compliments, Have fun together/play games, Speak to each other with respect, Respect their partners boundaries, Encourage them to make good choices,
List two reasons someone may choose to stay in an abusive relationship.
Fear of being harmed or retaliation, they can't be financially independent, they love their perpetrator, for their children, they don't have anywhere to go, they don't have any outside support, they're embarrassed, they don't know how, they don't have American citizenship, etc.
What are the four main types of abuse that we discussed during group?
Physical, Verbal, Emotional, Financial
True or False? It is impossible to recover from the effects of DV.
False! While some effects may be longer lasting or create more significant impacts, with the use of DV services, counseling, therapy, and strong support systems, many of the effects of DV can be lessened.
Public safe places close to you, Lists of safe friends/family, Safe places you can stay if you need to leave, Code-words used with identified safe people if something goes wrong, List of items you need to take with you if you leave, Ways you can change your routine/normal route if you become unsafe
True or False? If a relationship starts out healthy and your partner says they love you, it can never become abusive.
False. Any relationship could become abusive, even if it seemed to start out well. Abusers often don't begin the abuse immediately. Keep an eye out for any red flags or warning signs that may develop over the course of the relationship.
True or False? Only certain types of people become perpetrators of Domestic Violence.
False. Anyone could be a potential perpetrator of DV. While there may be some warning signs or red flags of potential abusers, it is not a certain "type" of person. They can be any age, gender identity, social class, race, religion, profession etc.
Give an example of emotional abuse.
Threatening to leave, Threatening to commit suicide, Threatening to report them or take their children, Using isolation or manipulation, Trying convince them they're "crazy" or "making it up."
True or False? You only experience effects from DV if you were the one who was abused.
False. Those who witness domestic violence often experience effects that are very similar to those directly abused.
What is one way you can keep yourself safe if you are in an abusive situation?
Let someone you trust know your whereabouts, Refrain from being left alone with your abuser if possible, Identify unsafe places and unsafe people, Create a specified plan for contact if you have to see your abuser
Why are boundaries important in a healthy relationship? Give an example of a boundary you may set.
To keep you safe.
Examples: How someone talks to you, How they touch you, How much time you spend together, What you share/talk about, When they can contact you
Explain the qualifying relationship in order for abuse to be considered domestic violence, and give an example of who this could be.
Victims of domestic are typically those in a partnership, but may also include a child, blood-relative, or any other household member.
Examples: Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Husband, Wife, Sister, Brother, Daughter, Son, Parent's Partner, etc.
Give an example of financial abuse.
Preventing them from getting or keeping a job, Making them ask for money, Giving them an "allowance," Taking their money, Not letting them know about or have access to family income, Not allowing them a voice in important financial decisions, Demanding exclusive control over household finances
List one potential negative mental effect of DV.
Low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, fear of abandonment, trust issues, attachment issues, unstable moods, inability to express emotions, poor impulse control, anger issues, etc.
List 2 resources you can use if you find yourself in a Domestic Violence Situation or Abusive Relationship and need help.
YWCA: Hotline, walk-in, National Domestic Violence Hotline: Website chat, call hotline, text number, LoveIsRespect: Website, hotline, chat, text
True or False? If your partner is constantly tracking your whereabouts and demanding to know your location, this is a sign of a healthy relationship because it just proves your partner cares.
False. Your partner does not need to know your constant whereabouts if trust exists in the relationship. It is one thing to check in, but tracking your every move and giving you no independence can quickly become abuse. This could be a sign that they are attempting to control you, although they may mask it as "care" or "love."
What is one risk factor for becoming a victim of domestic violence?
Low self-esteem, Emotional or physical dependency on a person, Unhealthy relationships and family interactions, Living in a community with high rates of poverty and limited educational and economic opportunities, Living in a community with high unemployment rates, Living in a community with high rates of violence and crime