Domestic Violence

Domestic violence constitutes the willful intimidation, assault, battery, sexual assault or other abusive behavior perpetrated by one family member, household member, or intimate partner against another. In Texas, the common child, or, persons in a dating relationship. Domestic violence is about power, and control. The abuser want to dominate the victim/survivor and wants all the power in the relationship and uses violence in order to establish and maintain authority and power. Perpetrators of domestic violence are usually not sick or deranged but have learned abusive, manipulative techniques and behaviors that allow them to dominate and control others to obtain the responses they desire. An abuser will often restrict a victims outlets, forbidding the victim to maintain outside employment, friends, and family ties. This has an isolating effect , leaving the victims with no support system, and creating dependency. Abusers also limit a survivor's options by not allowing access to checking accounts, credit cards or other sources of money or financial independence. Perpetrator of domestic violence may constantly criticize, belittle, and humiliate their partners causing the victim to feel worthless, ugly, stupid, and crazy. Low self- esteem may contribute to a victims feeling they deserve the abuse affecting their ability to see themselves as being entitled to better treatment. Some victims, because of the chronic nature of the violence may develop Post traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health disorder characterized by flashbacks, significant anxiety, depression and fatigue. Escalating violence is inevitable as many victims must become emotionally unavailable or must physically leave in order to survive. Suggestions For Domestic Violence Survivors If you are a victim of domestic violence, please call the Victim Assistance Centre. We want to help you! Call (713)755-5625 Create a safety plan Consider legal options available to you in Texas which include filing an application for a civil protective order that prohibits contact between and abuser and a victim. In 2003, 153 women in Texas were murdered by their partner

Domestic Violence: Safety Plan Guidelines Personal Safety If You Are In An Abusive Relationship: Identify your partner's use and level of force so that you can assess danger to you and to your children before it occurs. Identify safe areas of the house where there are no weapons and where there are always ways to escape. If arguments occur, try to move close to those areas. Don't run to where the children are as your partner may hurt them as well. If violence is unavoidable, make yourself a small target; dive into a corner and curl up into a ball with your face protected and arms around each side of your head, fingers entwined. If possible have a phone accessible at all times and know the numbers to call for help. Know where the nearest pay phone is located. Know you local battered women's shelter number. Don't be afraid to call the police. Let trusted friends and neighbors know of your situation and develop a plan and visual signal for when you need help. Teach your children how to get help. Instruct them not to get involved in the violence between you and your partner. Plan a code word to signal to them that they should get help or leave the house. Practice how to get out safely. Practice safety plan with your children. Keep weapons like guns and knives locked up and as inaccessible as possible. Make a habit of backing the car into the driveway and keeping it fueled. Keep the driver's door unlocked and other's locked for a quick escape. Try not to wear scarves or long jewelry that could be used to strangle you. Create several reasons for leaving the house at different times of the day or night. Call a domestic violence hot-line periodically to assess your options and get a supportive understanding ear.