OCTOBER IS......
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
(Official Declaration from President Barak Obama)
Domestic abuse, also known as spousal abuse, occurs when one person in an intimate relationship or marriage tries to dominate and control the other. Domestic abuse that includes physical violence is called domestic violence. Domestic violence/abuse has one purpose, to maintain and control. The abuser may use a number of tactics to minimize and weaken the victim - shame, fear, guilt, intimidation, verbal threats to harm, force of threat coupled with violence acts.
The Cycle of Violence
Abuse - abusive partner lashes out aggressively, belittling, or violent behavior. The abuse is a power play designed to show you "who is boss".
Guilt - after the abuse, your partners feels guilt, but not over what he has done. He's more worried about getting caught and facing the consequences for the abusive behavior.
Normal Behavior - the abuser does everything he can to regain control to keep you in the relationship. He may act as if nothings wrong and turn on his charm. This peaceful "Honeymoon" phase may give the victim hope that the abuser has really changed.
Fantasy and Planning - the abuser begins to fantasize about hurting you again. He spends a lot of time thinking about what you've done and how he can punish you.
Set-up - the abuser sets you up and puts his plan in motion, creating a situation where he can justify abusing you again.
General Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
People who are being abused may - seem afraid or anxious; try to over please their partner; complain about harrassing phone calls; check with their partner; go along with what he says; concerned over partners jealousy and possessiveness.
People who are being physically abuse may - have frequent injuries; miss time from work, school or social occasions without explanation; dress in clothing to hide bruises or scars.
People who are being isolated by their partners may - be restricted from seeing family and friends; rarely go out in public without their partner; have limited access to money, credit cards, transportation.
People who are being abused may - have very low self esteem and self worth; no confidence; show major personality changes - withdrawn, depressed, anxious or suicidal.
Suspect Domestic Violence - Do's and Don'ts
DO - Ask, express concern, listen and validate, offer help and support her or his decisions.
DON'T - Wait for her or him to come to you, judge or blame, pressure her/him, give advice or place conditions on your support.
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National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
House of Ruth - Baltimore City, Maryland
410-554-8463 - HOTLINE/410-889-7884
Women's Law Center Office for D.V. Assistance
111 N.Calvert Street - Balttimore, Maryland 21202
410-783-0377 - 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Services: Full Peace Order - Referred Ex Parte Order survivors petition only
CHANA - Counseling and Aid Network for Abused Women
101 W. Mt. Royal Avenue - Baltimore, Maryland 21202
410-234-0030 - 8:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Services: Group or 1 on 1 counseling, legal services (some free or sliding scale),
Education and Community Outreach
Family and Children Services
4623 Falls Road - Baltimore, Maryland 21209
410-366-8145 - 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Services: CATS (Child Abuse Treatment Services/ages 5-18), general counseling and
specialized programs for all ages, including battered and sexually abused victims.
Individual, couple or family counseling support provided.
TURNAROUND
401 Washington Avenue - suite 300 in Towson, Maryland
Services: Lawyer weekly visit for appointments, individual and group counseling, Child Art Therapy,
Batterer's Program, Emergency room companions, community education.
The Rescue and Restore Coalition (The Samaritan Women)
526 and 602 S. Chapel Gate Road - Catonsville, Maryland
Transitional - Educational Program for suvivors of domestic violence and human trafficking