DV Myths & Truths
True or False: Domestic violence only happens in poor communities?
False. Domestic violence can happen in any race, culture, or economic status. ***BONUS ? for X2 Points***
What is the central goal of using power and control tactics?
To dominate and control another person (what they wear, how much money they have, who the talk to, etc.)
True or False: Society teaches men to hide their emotions.
True. In Western culture, men are encouraged to hide their emotions (learned through social media, family systems, and cultural norms). ***BONUS ? for X2 Points***
What does self-regulation mean?
What is one common excuse people use to justify their behavior?
Stress, alcohol, provocation, childhood trauma, etc.
Myth or Truth: Domestic violence is only caused by anger issues.
Myth. Domestic violence is a belief system that one can exercise power and control over another person.
Name one tactic from the Power and Control Wheel.
Intimidation, Emotional, Isolation, Minimizing/denying/blaming, using children, using male privilege, economic abuse
Name one stereotype about how men are supposed to act.
Tough, unemotional, aggressive, dominant
Name one technique you can use to self-regulate.
Deep breathing, mindfulness, grounding techniques
True or False: You can miss a total of 10 classes before being discharged from PAC
False. You have 5 unexcused absences OR 5 excused absences (documentation required)
Myth or Truth: Victims stay because they love their abuser.
Myth (Often it's fear, financial dependence, kids, etc.)
True or False: Making someone ask for money, refusing to pay agreed-upon bills, and denying someone the ability to open their bank account is economic abuse.
True. Denying someone's freedom to have financial independence is a form of power and control.
What is one stereotype about how women are supposed to act?
Nurturing, passive, emotional, dependent
When feeling angry, what's one action that supports self-regulation instead of escalation?
Pause, breathe, walk away, or self-talk
Why is it dangerous to say, "They made me do it?"
Because you're playing the victim in the drama triangle (removes your responsibility for participating in abuse)
Name one reason why someone might stay in an abusive relationship that has nothing to do with love.
Fear, finance, children, isolation, threats
What is it called when someone threatens to harm themselves if their partner leaves?
Emotional manipulation/coercion
How can rigid gender roles contribute to domestic violence?
They reinforce control, dominance, and unhealthy expectations.
True or False: Self-regulation means ignoring your emotions.
False. Self-regulation is awareness of how you feel.
Your facilitator added five additional sessions. How do you approach the situation?
Bring food. Just kidding - have a meaningful discussion - actively listen, ask relevant questions, self-regulate. ***BONUS? for X2 Points***
True or False: Domestic Violence is about gaining and maintaining control over another person.
True. Domestic violence is power and control over another person. ***BONUS ? for X2 Points***
Name two subtle forms of controlling behavior.
Constant texting/checking-in, criticizing appearance, controlling finances
What does challenging traditional gender roles have to do with preventing DV?
It promotes equality, empathy, compassion, active listening, improved communication, etc.
Name two long-term benefits of practicing self-regulation.
Better relationships, less violence, better mental health. ***BONUS ? for X2 Points***
Your PO arrives at your home. It's 1 AM and you're minding your business, eating cereal, and watching true crime. What's your response?
Answer the door, invite them in, offer a snack, and ask how you can help them this early in the AM