Physical Or Emotional Abuse: Women, Run–Don’t Walk!

Intimate partner violence (IPV) estimates that there are 1200 deaths and 2 million injuries each year.  Are you being abused emotionally or physically? If so, you must run–not walk–from your abuser before it’s too late.  Abuse is a serious problem in the USA. The Bureau of Justice Statistics and the United States Department of Justice report that in 70-80% of intimate partner homicides, that the man physically abused her prior to the murder. Between 1998 and 2002, females were the victims in 84% of spouse abuse cases. (Source: United States Department of Justice) Many women refuse to report their abuser at all, and those that do report them often retract their prior report of abuse for various reasons and refuse to press charges. Therefore, statistics of abuse are so underreported. Women, it is time for change! Report abuse and get the help that you or some that you care about needs.

SIGNS OF AN ABUSER

There are many obvious and not so obvious signs of an abuser.  Some of the more obvious signs of an abuser, usually a physical abuser, include: punching, pinching, shoving, kicking, forcing partner to do anything that they don’t want to do during an argument, threatening to do bodily harm, and/or cruelty to animals.  On the other hand, there are also many less obvious signs of an abuser such as the following:  physically hitting inanimate objects (e.g. putting a hole through a wall,) trying to or actually succeeding in making you to feel bad about yourself, isolating you from your family and friends, very manipulative, calling you names that hurt you, blaming you (even for things that he is actually responsible for), he is easily angered, his jealousy leads to controlling behaviors (e.g. has to know where you are at all times, listens your cell phone messages, reads your email, shows up to check on you when you’re out with friends,), he sets unrealistic expectations for you, he can be described as a Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde, he uses ‘playful’ force (note, playful force is likely a precursor to abuse), has a negative attitude toward women, limits access to conveniences and/or necessities (e.g. money, care, phone,), he has and excessive dependency upon you, and/or he is an abuser of drugs and/or alcohol.

POSSIBlE SIGNS THAT A  PERSON IS BEING ABUSED

Some of the signs that a person being abused may exhibit are as follows: depression, abuse of drugs and/or alcohol,  atypical outbursts of anger, remains isolated from friends and family, has a eating disorder, has unexplained bruises, has low self-esteem, and/or indicates that they feel helpless or afraid during the course of their relationship with the abuser.

PREVENT ABUSE!

Never rush into a serious relationship (e.g. marriage,) too soon.  Typically, it takes at least a good solid year of dating on a regular basis before you have an opportunity to begin to really get to know a person.

You should end any relationship that is not built upon love, trust, and respect.

Get help if you suffer from low-self esteem.  If you frequently have negative thoughts about yourself, you need help.  You should feel good and positive about yourself most of the time. You are a precious gift from God, and he does not make mistakes.  Learn to love who you are or discover who you are if you’ve always let others define you.

Love yourself enough to leave an abuser.  Note, if you feel that your life or the life of your kids might be in danger if you do leave, then contact the proper authorities (e.g. police, domestic violence shelter,) for assistance prior to leaving.  I believe that the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.  Consult your local directory or information should this phone number be incorrect.

Always end a relationship with an abuser (whether emotional or physical) on the first offense! No exceptions (e.g. apologies, telling you how much he loves you, giving you gifts,)

Call Jacqueline Shires today at (949) 338-6242 or email her at shiresbbb1 (the # 1, not the letter L) @hotmail.com to schedule your FREE 15-minute wellness coaching session to begin to identify the challenges.  We will then help you to set realistic goals, provide you with educational materials, and we will serve as your accountability partner in helping you to achieve and maintain your health and wellness goals.  Begin your journey toward wellness today.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor prior to implementing exercise program or the proper medical or mental health professionals prior to making any changes that might affect your health. Never stop taking or reduce your medication(s) without consulting a licensed medical professional.