Domestic Abuse Misconception #7

Domestic Abuse Misconception #7: If there has been no physical abuse then it is not dangerous. This couldn't be further from the truth. I already emphasized in a previous post that abuse is still abuse, even if there has been no physical violence. That all the various other forms of abuse--emotional, spiritual, sexual, financial, verbal--all, over time, tear down a victim to the point that she is a shell of her former self. Often victims are actually driven to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism or even to suicide to escape what has turned into a living hell.

But listen to this and listen well: In 28-33% of all domestic violence MURDERS, there has been NO PRIOR PHYSICAL VIOLENCE.

So before you dismiss the evil of abuse as "not that big of a deal because he doesn't hit her," take the above statistic to heart. Abuse, in any form, should ALWAYS be taken seriously.

Here are some more statistics for consideration.

(Note: In all of my posts I use "he" for abuser and "she" for victim for simplicity and because, in the majority of cases, the abuser is male. But it can be the opposite with a female abuser. Dynamics of abuse can also happen in same sex relationships.)

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