Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

Breaking the Abuse CycleGetting Legal HelpHeal From TraumaPreparing a Safety PlanRecognize the SignsSupport a Friend in Crisis

Tips on Dealing with Domestic Violence & Abuse

Domestic violence is a form of abuse, usually driven by the desire to demonstrate power and control. It is a pattern of abusive behavior projected on the spouse or children. Resulting in the imbalance of power, domestic violence can tear lives apart and cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) apart from other mental and physical issues.

No one deserves to be abused, and although it can be hard to identify the initial subtle signs of domestic violence, help is available, and the survivor or victim should act in the first instance.

In This Guide

What is domestic violence and abuse?

Domestic violence is aggressive or violent behavior by one partner over another. It is usually done to exert power and control. There are different types of domestic violence, including physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, social, religious, and economic abuse. To safeguard yourself or anyone you know, go through this expert guide on What Domestic Violence and Abuse Is.
What are the different types of abuse?
Violence usually starts with unhealthy relationship patterns that often go unnoticed and unrecognized. However, domestic abuse goes way beyond physical scars and injury. Emotional, Psychological, Verbal & Physical are a few types of such abuse. Learn more about the types in this article that talks in detail about What the Different Types of Abuse Are.
Why do people stay in an abusive relationship?
At first, it is hard to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship, making it confusing for victims to decide whether to stay or leave. Most of the time, the abuser displays their positive side and maintains a period of calmness after the abuse. To understand this better, read this in-depth article to know Why Do People Stay in an Abusive Relationship.
What are the reasons behind domestic violence?
Every case is different, and it is impossible to predict the exact causes of domestic violence or guess how domestic violence starts. However, the need for power and control, lower self-esteem, mental illness, history of abuse, etc., are some of the common causes of domestic violence. Here’s a great read that talks about What the Reasons Behind Domestic Violence Are.
What are the signs of an abusive relationship?
Any form of abuse starts gradually and elevates to the point when the victim feels trapped and cornered. It is essential to look out for the warning signs, which include gaslighting, jealousy, suspicion, threatening, and so forth. To watch out and take action before things get out of hand, go through this list of What the Signs of an Abusive Relationship Are.
How are physical abuse and emotional abuse different?
Distinguishing physical abuse in marriages from emotional abuse is tricky as both severely impact the victim or the survivor. Practically, physical abuse means different ways to control the other person like pushing, pinching, slapping, restraining, hitting, while emotional abuse results in addiction, anxiety, or depression. To get a better idea, go through this quick guide and learn more about How Physical Abuse and Emotional Abuse Are Different.
What is financial abuse and how to deal with it?
Financial abuse can be extremely disorienting as this is one of the most ignored forms of abuse. Typically, financial abuse means the abuser gives no financial freedom to the victim. The abuser might also try to cut off the income sources or interfere with the job. One of the ways to deal with it is to have separate accounts. If you or anyone you know needs help, start by reading this guide that talks about What Financial Abuse Is and How to Deal With It.
How to identify abusive relationships
If you feel you are in an abusive relationship, trust your instincts. Besides, looking for the warning signs like jealousy, denial, goading, blaming, spying, threats, lecturing, name-calling, etc., check out for more signs discussed in detail in this article on How to Identify Abusive Relationships.

What are the effects of domestic abuse?

The impact of abuse shows deep within. It may lead to anxiety, denial, depleted self-worth, fear, and so forth. It poisons the root of the bond and sometimes ends up affecting every future relationship of the victim or survivor. To understand how to cope better, read this article and know in detail What the Effects of Domestic Abuse Are.
What are the effects of domestic violence on the victim?
Whether the spousal abuse is physical, mental, or emotional, domestic violence survivors can face ongoing challenges over an extended period of time. Depleted self-worth, denial, lack of trust are a few among them. Read this quick guide to know in detail What the Effects of Domestic Violence on the Victim Are.

What are the effects of domestic violence on children?
Whether children experience or witness domestic abuse, it can severely affect their development. The effects can be mental, and they are at higher risk of emotional problems as they grow up. To be prepared to deal with the resultant issues, familiarize yourself with What the Effects of Domestic Violence on Children Are.

How to overcome domestic violence

No matter what the circumstances, no one deserves to be abused in any way. To start with, it is essential that the victim accepts that they are being harassed or abused. Then they must develop a safety plan, call for help from the community, and begin by learning How to Overcome Domestic Abuse & Violence.

How to empower yourself against domestic violence
Abuse can take different forms and might be identifiable in the first instance. However, as soon as the victim recognizes the warning signs, they should begin taking action to empower themselves by seeking community help and creating safe boundaries with their spouse. To begin, you can read this guide and learn How to Empower Yourself Against Domestic Violence.

How to deal with an abusive partner
The first thing to look out for in an abusive relationship is protection and a safe place from the abuser. Besides this, you must be prepared to part ways if the situation is getting out of control. Read this helpful article to check out other ways to know How to Deal With an Abusive Partner.

How can we stop violence at home?
The first step to putting a halt to violence is recognizing the signs and accepting that the abuse is taking place. Next, the victim must also seek professional and medical help apart from other ways to understand How to Stop Violence at Home.

How to save a marriage from abuse
Domestic violence can be shattering and is certainly not easy as the marriage goes through several ups and downs. Apart from other ways, domestic violence counseling and professional help can immediately pave the way. Explore this article on abusive marriage help and discover How to Save a Marriage From Abuse.

How to prevent & stop abuse from an intimate partner
It is important to seek professional help and get the support of communities dedicated to provide support to survivors and lessen harm. You must also create a safe distance and protect yourself from the abuser to convey your stand on the situation to Prevent & Stop Abuse From an Intimate Partner.

Where can I get help for domestic violence? (Helpline, support, and counseling)

Victims and survivors can get help via helplines to begin with and then move towards online and offline support groups and communities for continued assistance. To learn how to cope with domestic violence and its consequences, victims can also get in touch with therapists who can counsel them, and in some cases, their partners to ensure that the cycle of violence is broken and a relationship salvaged if it’s safe enough to do so.

Domestic violence helpline
Helplines and support groups offer a free platform where professionals and survivors can offer confidential support anytime to save victims of spousal abuse. Here’s a list of common domestic violence helplines and support groups to contact in case of emergency:
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Hope Recovery – For ongoing support groups & workshops
Fort Refuge – Abuse survivors community for ongoing support
DomesticShelters.org – Social media victims and survivors community
Love Is Respect – 1.866.331.9474 (for young adults/teens)

Find a therapist
Help is available. Reach out to communities, crisis centers, and domestic violence shelters to seek help and learn how to stop domestic violence in your relationship. You can also get in touch with verified and trusted marriage counselors to seek advice on the issue.
Do you wish to opt for divorce after domestic violence? Are you planning to stay together after domestic violence and work out with the abusive wife or husband? Do you seek reconciliation after domestic violence?

Find a Therapist here to guide you through the process.

Top Resources

5 Facts About Physical Abuse in a Relationship
6 Reasons of Spousal Abuse In A Marriage
Best Ways to Protect Yourself From an Abusive Partner
And the Abuse Goes On: Co-Parenting With Your Abuser
How to Deal With an Abusive Husband?
6 Effects of Spousal Emotional Abuse in a Marriage
8 Signs for Recognizing Emotional Abuse
10 Signs of an Abusive Wife and How to Deal with It
Solutions To Domestic Violence
Child Custody And Leaving An Abusive Relationship
Why Do People Stay in Emotionally Abusive Relationships
How to Handle Emotional Blackmail in a Relationship

Quotes

QuoteIconWalking away from something unhealthy is brave even if you stumble a little on your way out the door.”
QuoteIconYou are not the darkness you endured. You are the light that refused to surrender.”
More Quotes

Popular Quizzes

Abusive Relationship
Are You in an Abusive Relationship?
10 Questions
In a relationship, you have to share the bed, the bathroom, live in the same house, and sometimes share the same car as well. But does a relationship mean just this much? Isn’t a relationship…
Violence Danger Assessment
Domestic Violence Danger Assessment Quiz
10 Questions
Domestic violence is a serious matter that needs to be addressed more often. That’s because most victims avoid coming forward and it could be for several reasons, like the fear for their …
Emotional Abuse
Do I Have PTSD From Emotional Abuse Quiz?
10 Questions
Emotional and psychological stress and trauma might be harder to see than physical signs of abuse, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t damaging. You might feel like your mind is flooded with…
All Quizzes

Most Popular

13 Signs You Have an Abusive Wife and How to Deal With Her

13 Signs You Have an Abusive Wife and How to Deal With Her

Men are not the only ones who can be abusive in a relationship. As lesser known as it might be, …
Sylvia Smith

Approved By Angela Welch

Marriage & Family Therapist| 9  min read

4 Effective Solutions To Domestic Violence

4 Effective Solutions To Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is more than just a relationship issue; it is a crime. Solutions to domestic violence need to include …
Sylvia Smith

Approved By Christiana Njoku

Licensed Professional Counselor| 5  min read

10 Major Causes of Domestic Violence in Relationship

10 Major Causes of Domestic Violence in Relationship

Anyone who has seen a family destroyed by domestic violence can wonder what would make a person act that way. …
Rachael Pace

Approved By Maggie Martinez

Licensed Clinical Social Worker| 9  min read

10 Signs of Financial Abuse in Marriage

10 Signs of Financial Abuse in Marriage

The scenario of financial abuse in marriage is all too common and all too chilling. Financial abuse is a very …
Rachael Pace

Approved By Angela Welch

Marriage & Family Therapist| 7  min read

53 Subtle yet Disturbing Signs of Emotional Abuse

53 Subtle yet Disturbing Signs of Emotional Abuse

The two subtlest forms of abuse in relationships are emotional abuse and mental abuse. Contrary to physical abuse, which is …
Sylvia Smith

Approved By Paula Cookson

Registered Psychotherapist| 19  min read

6 Effects of Spousal Emotional Abuse in a Marriage

6 Effects of Spousal Emotional Abuse in a Marriage

You don’t see it. There’s no bruising. There are no broken bones. There’s no physical injury present. What is emotional …
Sylvia Smith

Approved By Shannon McHugh

Psychologist| 6  min read

7 Facts About Physical Abuse in a Relationship

7 Facts About Physical Abuse in a Relationship

It’s not always easy to talk about the hurt that comes from someone you once trusted. Love should feel safe, …
Sylvia Smith

Approved By Shannon McHugh

Psychologist| 11  min read

4 Types of Domestic Violence & How to Recognize Them

4 Types of Domestic Violence & How to Recognize Them

Abuse is a complex concept, one that is easily defined and yet very difficult to understand and identify. Many who …
Elizabeth McCormick, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Evansville, IN

By Elizabeth McCormick

Licensed Clinical Social Worker| 4  min read

Should You Save Your Marriage If You Have an Abusive Husband?

Should You Save Your Marriage If You Have an Abusive Husband?

An abusive husband is any woman’s worst nightmare, leaving the victim wonder how to fix an abusive relationship? Saving your …
Sylvia Smith

Approved By Shannon McHugh

Psychologist| 5  min read

Controlling Husband: Signs, Impact & How to Deal With One

Controlling Husband: Signs, Impact & How to Deal With One

Research shows that controlling behavior in relationships is a significant predictor of domestic abuse, with a PMC article reporting that …
Rachael Pace

Approved By Maggie Martinez

Licensed Clinical Social Worker| 12  min read

You May Also Like

How to Heal From Verbal Abuse in a Relationship: 7 Tips

How to Heal From Verbal Abuse in a Relationship: 7 Tips

Healing from verbal abuse takes time, patience, and a lot of self-compassion. When someone’s words cut deep, it’s not just …
Callen Winslow

By Callen Winslow

Parenting and Mental Health| 8  min read

7 Misogynistic Relationship Red Flags Hidden In Traditional Roles

7 Misogynistic Relationship Red Flags Hidden In Traditional Roles

Sometimes, what looks like “old-fashioned love” can feel comforting—he opens doors, pays for dinner, and insists on taking care of …
Calantha Quinlan

By Calantha Quinlan

Pre Marriage Counseling, Handling Separation | 8  min read

Verbal Abuse vs. Emotional Abuse: Which One Hurts Most & Why?

Verbal Abuse vs. Emotional Abuse: Which One Hurts Most & Why?

It’s not always easy to see the difference between words that sting and emotions that quietly break you down. Sometimes, …
Owen Kessler

By Owen Kessler

Marriage Therapy| 12  min read

How to Deal With Misogyny in a Relationship: 7 Tips

How to Deal With Misogyny in a Relationship: 7 Tips

It’s heartbreaking when love starts feeling like a power struggle instead of a partnership. You notice the small things first—comments …
Draven Porter

By Draven Porter

Marriage & Family Life Advice| 9  min read

9 Types of Verbal Harassment in a Relationship & Its Effects

9 Types of Verbal Harassment in a Relationship & Its Effects

Sometimes, the most painful wounds don’t come from actions—they come from words. A comment here, a tone there… and suddenly, …
Noah Williams

By Noah Williams

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 11  min read

7 Signs You’re Facing Relational Aggression in a Relationship

7 Signs You’re Facing Relational Aggression in a Relationship

Sometimes, it’s not the yelling or the fights that hurt the most—it’s the cold silences, the subtle digs, the moments …
Kaida Hollister

By Kaida Hollister

Marital reconciliation, Family therapy| 9  min read

7 Key Characteristics of an Abuser in a Relationship

7 Key Characteristics of an Abuser in a Relationship

Have you ever felt uneasy around someone you cared for… that subtle tightening in your chest when they check your …
Noah Williams

By Noah Williams

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 9  min read

Emotional Abuse vs. Gaslighting: What’s the Difference?

Emotional Abuse vs. Gaslighting: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever wondered why some relationships leave you feeling unworthy while others make you doubt your very sense of …
Dylan Banks

By Dylan Banks

Marriage Counseling & Divorce| 7  min read

10 Key Steps to Making a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence

10 Key Steps to Making a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence

Leaving an abusive partner takes monumental courage. Not only can it trigger an unparalleled retaliation, but it can also cause …
Anne Duvaux

By Anne Duvaux

Coach| 8  min read

15 Signs of Emotionally Abusive Parents & How to Deal

15 Signs of Emotionally Abusive Parents & How to Deal

Imagine growing up in a household where every achievement is overshadowed by criticism, where words are used as weapons, and …
Callen Winslow

By Callen Winslow

Parenting and Mental Health| 11  min read

What Is Institutional Abuse in a Relationship? 5 Effects

What Is Institutional Abuse in a Relationship? 5 Effects

In the nuanced dynamics of human connections, ‘abuse’ typically brings to mind scenes of personal mistreatment and sorrow. However, there’s …
Callen Winslow

By Callen Winslow

Parenting and Mental Health| 7  min read

How to Provide Help for Abusive Partners: 7 Tips

How to Provide Help for Abusive Partners: 7 Tips

What do you do when you discover a friend might be the source of abuse in their relationship? How can …
Kaida Hollister

By Kaida Hollister

Marital reconciliation, Family therapy| 6  min read

Flirting vs. Sexual Harassment: 5 Key Differences & Ways to Deal

Flirting vs. Sexual Harassment: 5 Key Differences & Ways to Deal

In a world where social interactions are often a delicate dance, it’s essential to understand the difference between flirting and …
Sylvia Smith

By Sylvia Smith

Relationships advice, Pre-marriage and general| 8  min read

Intimate Abuse Patterns: Causes, Impact and Prevention

Intimate Abuse Patterns: Causes, Impact and Prevention

A healthy relationship is often characterized by several features like trust, support, honesty, empathy, intimacy, affection, and effective communication. However, …
Draven Porter

By Draven Porter

Marriage & Family Life Advice| 7  min read

7 Signs of Verbally Abusive Parents and How to Cope With Them

7 Signs of Verbally Abusive Parents and How to Cope With Them

Verbal abuse is a painful and damaging form of mistreatment that can leave lasting scars, especially when it comes from …
Dylan Banks

By Dylan Banks

Marriage Counseling & Divorce| 8  min read

1 2 3 … 9

Popular Videos

View all