What is it?
Most people think of intimate partner violence as battering episodes with resulting injury, but the definition is much broader. It has been described as a pattern of coercive behaviors that may include emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault, progressive social isolation, deprivation and intimidation. Most of the time, this controlling behavior is toward women and often involves children as well. The emotional abuse that generally precedes the physical abuse may include destructive criticism, pressure tactics, abusing authority, disrespect, abusing trust, breaking promises, emotional withholding or economic control.
How common is intimate partner violence?
Unfortunately, intimate partner violence is very common. It is estimated that 25% of all women will be in an abusive relationship at some time in their lives. About 1 million women a year will visit the Emergency Department because of injuries from intimate partner violence. It is estimated that 2,000-3,000 women a year are murdered by their current or former intimate partner. Once violence starts in a relationship, it usually continues unless the cycle is broken. The cycle of violence involves: Violence—Apologies—Promises to Change—Tension Building with Criticism, Coercion, and Threats—Violence. Often this cycle recurs many times before the woman is ready for change.
Does intimate partner violence affect my health?
Aside from the obvious problems with injuries, intimate partner violence affects women’s health in many negative ways. The stress of living in a violent relationship could lead to many stress-related illnesses such as chronic headaches, ulcers, chronic abdominal pain, chronic pelvic pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, depression, anxiety, or suicide attempts. If she is pregnant, she will be more likely to experience a miscarriage or giving birth to a low birthweight infant. It may also affect her children’s health. It is estimated that 50-70% of men who abuse their partners, also abuse their children. If children witness violence in the home, they are more likely to grow up to be abusers or become abused and are more likely to commit crimes, use drugs, or attempt suicide.
Should I discuss this with my physician?
There are many people in the community who are prepared to help women in abusive relationships. The medical community plays a limited, but very important role in helping you resolve the violence in your relationship. In the last several years, physicians have been trained to routinely inquire about violence, just as they would about things such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or drug exposure. If you are not asked, but think that the violence may be affecting your health or the health of your children, you should talk to your physician. Your physician may say that what happened to you is wrong and that it’s not your fault. Your physician probably will not be able to remedy the situation alone, but will help you become aware of the resources available in the community, and develop a safety plan prior to leaving the office or emergency department.
What are the resources available in the Omaha area?
There are several avenues in Omaha you can turn to for help. The YWCA-Women Against Violence Program will be prepared to help you at 402-345-7273. The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council will be able to answer your questions at 402-398-9928. The Shelter will be able to assist you at 402-558-5700. The Victim Assistance Unit 402-444-4597, the Domestic Violence Investigation Unit 402-444-7456, and Statewide Crisis Line 1-800-876-6238 are other agencies that can help you. For more immediate help phone Family Service: Domestic Abuse Nebraska 1-800-523-3666 or if you are in immediate physical danger dial 911.
