Survivors of domestic violence or other abuse by an intimate partner grapple with intense and confusing emotions. Damage to their self-worth and sense of agency add to the challenge. Survivors often find counseling to be invaluable as they rebuild their lives. Survivors still in an abusive relationship, as well as those who have already left, can both benefit greatly from counseling.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is a series of aggressive and manipulative behaviors by one person in an intimate relationship to control the other. This abuse can take different forms, from physical and sexual violence to emotional manipulation and financial control, as well as stalking of a former partner. Typically, the aggressor will use more than one type of abuse, and the severity of abuse often escalates. It’s important to note, however, that all abuse is serious and none should be ignored.
Benefits of Domestic Abuse Counseling
Counseling can provide abused partners support to leave, as well as create more positive outcomes once they do. Counseling helps them:
- End feelings of isolation.
- Validate their survivor emotions.
- Realize the abuse is not their fault.
- Forgive themselves for having stayed.
- Process painful memories and regulate powerful emotions.
- Reduce the risk of PTSD, substance abuse, and other stress-related issues.
- Cope with depression and anxiety.
- Reconnect to the world.
- Feel safe again.
- Express themselves freely and know their thoughts are valid.
- Rebuild their sense of self-worth and independence.
- Begin self-care behaviors.
- Rediscover the part of themselves that’s fun, energetic, loving, and worth being loved.
- Understand themselves and the dynamics of the relationship better.
- Learn healthy relationship skills.
- Find their personal power.
- Develop problem-solving and goal-setting skills.
Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), is abuse involving physically aggressive behavior, such as when the abuser:
- Punches, hits, kicks, or slaps.
- Grabs, pushes, or shoves.
- Pulls hair or bites.
- Tries to choke or smother the partner.
- Throws objects.
- Burns the partner.
- Uses a weapon against the partner, such as a knife, bat, chemical spray, or gun.
- Forces sex, including humiliating or dangerous acts.
- Hurts the children or pets.
- Drives dangerously with the partner in the car.
- Leaves the partner in an unfamiliar or unsafe location.
- Compels alcohol or drug consumption, especially if the partner struggles with addiction.
- Denies the partner food, sleep, or medical care.
- Locks the partner in or out of the house.
- Prohibits contacting police.
- Destroys the partner’s belongings.
- Threatens violence.
A partner who lives with domestic violence lives in a state of fear, walking on eggshells to avoid triggering a violent episode.
What To Expect From Domestic Abuse Counseling at Horizon
At Horizon Counseling Services, survivors — whether still in their relationship or not — can work with a caring, sensitive therapist to begin the journey to a life free from fear of abuse. Horizon’s experienced domestic abuse therapists support survivors through their healing, helping them as they work through overwhelming emotions, move on from trauma, and discover insights that will lead to healthier new relationships.
For women needing support to leave an abusive situation, Horizon can also furnish a referral to a trusted community agency that provides safe shelter for women and their children, as well as advocacy services such as legal and employment advice.
Survivors who think they might be ready to begin counseling, please contact Horizon Counseling Services.
