October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Please take the time this month to educate yourself on our Domestic Violence epidemic. A recent A study by World Population Review found, for 2023, 49.1 percent of Oklahoma women and 40.7 percent of Oklahoma men either have or are currently experiencing domestic abuse, which is higher than any other state. This is a public health issue that is affecting all of us, and it will take all of us to work together to make a change.
Domestic Violence Is More Than Physical Harm
Typically, people think of physical abuse when they
hear the words “domestic violence”, but domestic
violence is ultimately an unbalanced relationship
where the perpetrator exhibits a pattern of
behavior to gain or maintain power
and control over the victim.
Domestic abuse crimes were reported in al.
77 Oklahoma counties in 2021.
Domestic Violence Is More Than Physical Harm
Domestic violence abuse may include the
perpetrator using their societal privilege status
to exert dominance over the victim. Examples
include demanding or expecting a victim to
take on unequal amounts of household labor
and making all the major decisions.
Domestic Violence Is More Than Physical Harm
Domestic violence abuse may look like the
perpetrator using children in the household
to exert control over the victim. Examples
include making the victim feel guilty about
the children or using visitation to
harass the survivor.
Domestic Violence Is More Than Physical Harm
Religious or spiritual abuse is a type of
domestic violence where the abuser uses
religious texts or beliefs to justify their behavior.
Examples include preventing the victim from
practicing their faith or using religion to pressure
the victim to do things they don’t want to do.
Domestic Violence Is More Than Physical Harm
Domestic violence may involve non-physical
behaviors intended to negatively influence the
victim’s emotions and self-esteem. Examples
include constant criticism of the victim’s
appearance, intelligence, or abilities as well
as humiliating the victim around others.
HAVEN Advocates are here to help!
