| It is a common misconception that domestic violence | | | | Abusing someone is a choice made by the abuser, |
| only happens to certain types of people. | | | | not the abused. Those who are violent toward family |
| But the unfortunate reality is that physical, verbal, | | | | members do so to gain power and control. |
| and emotional abuse doesn't discriminate. It exists in | | | | Tell someone about your problem. |
| every community and country around the world. | | | | Most victims of family violence are silent about their |
| Abuse can happen anywhere, at any time. Some | | | | abusive situations. Start to talk to others who love |
| Individuals are teased and pressured at work, others | | | | you and will support you. |
| deal with it from their friends, children experience it | | | | Get out of the abusive situation. |
| at their school, and many live with it in their home. | | | | Even if you want to try to work things out, finding a |
| In some cases the abuse is cause by people who | | | | shelter or a friend to stay with will stop the abuse |
| take out their pent-up frustrations at home. In | | | | right away. Leave quickly and without discussing your |
| others, the root of the abuse is caused by anger. | | | | departure with your violent spouse. |
| All forms of abuse follow a pattern that, left | | | | Get help. |
| unchecked, will only increase over time. Injuries from | | | | Nowadays there are many support groups and |
| verbal and emotional abuse are not alwys physical | | | | intervention programs that can help you heal from |
| and can run deep and leave lasting scars. | | | | the tremendous psychological and emotional damage |
| Often, abuse is considered to be not that serious | | | | caused by abuse. |
| because there are no bruises or broken bones. But it | | | | Get help for your children. |
| is, and fortunately, support and resources are readily | | | | Though your children may not have been physically |
| available to guide individuals into safe, loving | | | | harmed, seeing the abuse of someone they love is a |
| relationships. | | | | traumatic experience, and an abuse of its own kind. |
| If you are a victim - or you know someone who is - | | | | In all cases, protect yourself. You don't owe anyone |
| here are some steps to stop the violence. | | | | an explanation - but you owe yourself a life. |
| Realize it's not your fault. | | | | |