By Dede Bartlett and Russell R. Barksdale, Jr. Ph.D.
Domestic Violence must be talked about at every kitchen table within every family not only during October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but throughout the year. It is a widespread and pervasive issue affecting individuals across all demographics and communities. It’s essential to recognize that it is not limited to physical harm. It can also include psychological, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. The coercive control exercised by an abuser can be just as damaging as physical violence.
During financial downturns or economic stress, rates of DV tend to rise. Embarrassment and fear of retribution often lead to denial. The pandemic exacerbated risk levels that have yet to be reversed, with reports of increased domestic abuse due to isolation, economic stress, and increased tension in households.
To bring awareness of this issue, all First Selectmen throughout Fairfield County are speaking out about Domestic Violence during October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On October 2nd, First Selectman Dionna Carlson declared October 2024 as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month in the Town of New Canaan, proclaiming domestic violence:
“A public health crisis that requires community-wide involvement to solve. It impacts the individual, their family, friends, and our community at large. Growing up in a violent home is the strongest predictor of someone becoming a victim or an abuser as an adult; and, in Connecticut, 37% of women and 33% of men experience intimate partner violence during their lifetimes, irrespective of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, age, socio economic status or ability; and,
In Connecticut, 26% of students surveyed reported someone they were going out with tried to control or emotionally hurt them; and emotional abuse is reported by 76% of all teens who report teen dating abuse; and,
Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide and violent behavior.”
These alarming statistics require immediate attention. Victims need advocates. Establishing Zero Tolerance Communities to break generational cycles of abuse and give priority to domestic abuse, teen dating abuse and bullying awareness education and intervention programs has been the mission of The New Canaan Domestic Abuse Prevention Partnership, founded and co-chaired by Dede Bartlett.
Domestic abuse or Intimate Partner Violence as it is also called, can be physical and psychological. It can be in person and online.
90% of victims of psychological abuse experience forms of manipulation, intimidation, and emotional distress. Due to underreporting, the prevalence is much higher than reported.
Domestic abuse is often underreported due to various factors, including fear of retaliation, stigma, lack of resources, or belief that they will not be believed or helped by law enforcement or healthcare professionals.
Studies suggest that only 20% of injured women seek medical attention for their injuries related to domestic violence, indicating significant levels of unreported cases.
Young women are at an increased risk, with those aged 18 to 24 experiencing the highest rate of intimate partner violence.
It’s crucial to recognize that domestic abuse can be non-physical and still have profound impacts on victims’ well-being and mental health. Forms of non-physical domestic violence include:
Emotional Abuse: This often involves manipulation, verbal abuse, derogatory language, gaslighting, and consistent criticism that can undermine a person’s self-esteem and emotional health.
Psychological Abuse: Abusers may exert control through threats, intimidation, and isolation from friends and family, severely impacting the victim’s mental health and sense of autonomy.
Financial Abuse: This occurs when an abuser controls a partner’s access to financial resources, limiting their ability to make independent financial decisions, leading to dependency and significant stress.
Sexual Abuse: Coercive sexual acts, lack of consent, and prevention of safe sexual practices fall under this category, which is fundamentally about exercising power and control.
We thank First Selectman Dionna Carlson for bringing attention to this community crisis and to the New Canaan Abuse Prevention Partnership and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Stamford and Norwalk for raising awareness and supporting families in crisis.
Understanding the prevalence and various forms of domestic abuse is essential for effective intervention, victim support, and community awareness. Healthcare professionals must be aware that domestic abuse can be emotional, psychological, financial, and physical. By recognizing these different forms and their prevalence, healthcare providers can play a vital role in identifying victims sooner, providing appropriate support, and assisting them in accessing necessary resources.
Here is an outline of key indicators for families, friends, and healthcare workers to look for:
Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries or bruises in various stages of healing. Frequent visits for injuries consistent with physical abuse (e.g., fractures, burns). Signs of restraint on wrists or other body parts.
Behavioral Signs: Unexplained fearfulness, anxiousness, or abnormally submissiveness. Those who avoid eye contact or appear overly compliant. Changes in behavior or mood, such as depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.
Social Indicators: Isolation from friends and family members. The presence of a partner who is overly controlling or does not allow the victim to speak for themselves. They may express concerns over their partner’s anger or jealousy.
Psychological Signs: Symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health issues. Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness. Frequently discussing feelings of fear or hopelessness.
Recurrent Health Issues: Chronic pain or gastrointestinal issues without a clear medical cause. Frequent stress-related conditions, like headaches or high blood pressure. Mental health symptoms exacerbated by intimacy or trauma-related stress.
Routine screening for domestic violence should be a standard practice in healthcare settings, especially in emergency, mental health, and primary care environments. Creating a safe space for victims to disclose violence is essential; employing trauma-informed care practices helps to ensure victims feel respected and supported.
We should all embrace a Zero Tolerance for domestic abuse within our families and communities, alike. Learn what to look for. Early detection and heightened attention always lead to better outcomes in creating Healthy Communities.
This column was co-written by Dede Bartlett and Russell R. Barksdale, Jr. Ph.D., MPA/MHA, FACHE, President & CEO of Waveny LifeCare Network.
