What Can You, as A Teenager, Do to Stop Domestic Violence?

What Can You, as A Teenager, Do to Stop Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence Impacts (4)

         One of the many questions people ask when it comes to domestic violence is "Who do I go to when I witness it, or am a victim of it?" Domestic violence occurs when there is a pattern in behavior in a relationship that is used to gain power, maintain power, and gain control over an intimate partner. More women than men are victims, but that doesn't mean it cannot happen to men as well. There are many forms of domestic violence to look out for and they are: physical, sexual, financial, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person (1). There are many things you can do to help someone, or yourself. You can call someone that deals with domestic violence, or tell a person with more power than you.

Who to go to?

            If you or someone you know is going through domestic violence, you can go to a therapist or there are women resource centers you can go to that will talk you through your problems and give you advice on what to do based on how bad your situation is. If it is not you going through this, and you are a witness, go to someone with more power than you do- your grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.

What are the signs?

            Signs of domestic violence depend on the type of domestic violence that is occurring. In 99% of domestic violence relationships, a type called "financial abuse" occurs (2). Financial abuse is when a partner has control over all money, and they don't let the other partner have any say in where money goes or what it is spent on. There are many other signs including physical abuse, emotional abuse (saying mean things to get a rise out of their partner), and sexual abuse. None of these are okay, and if you notice any abuse going on in any way, you need to report it before it gets out of hand.

Who to blame?

          Many people who go through domestic violence, always blame themselves. It is not your fault, and you couldn't have done anything to prevent it. Some people are just bad people, and they will do bad things. You do not deserve it, and you need to get your partner help. It will be a better situation for everyone if you get help. It it not your fault- never think that it is. If you are witness and not a victim, never get involved in the arguments, because you too will get hurt. Just make sure you tell someone. It is not your fault that your dad is treating your mom that way, or vice versa.

Domestic violence hotline number (3)

The domestic violence hotline number is:1-800-799-SAFE (7233) if you need to speak to someone about issues at home that you are a witness or victim of.

For more information on domestic violence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1yW5IsnSjo

Cites: 

(1) What is Domestic Violence? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wadvocates.org/find-help/about-domestic-violence/what-is-domestic-violence/?gclid=CjwKCAiAlvnfBRA1EiwAVOEgfPmrMetfS_oBwBGVZ0v2D6IBYzYJHmdo9_Qj_a3XNOAQLaJVVw6tuxoCNVwQAvD_BwE

(2) About Financial Abuse. (2017). Retrieved from https://nnedv.org/content/about-financial-abuse/
(3) http://urbanafterdark.com/mylik-butcher-helps-us-understand-the-danger-of-domestic-violence/
(4) https://jerseysrantsblog.com/index.php/2018/09/25/domestic-violence-in-america-today/