Misconceptions About Domestic Violence
There is no denying that domestic violence is a subject that is difficult for people to talk about. However, it is important that we do speak about it, because it is more common than a lot of people realize. With that being said, continue reading to find out more about misconceptions regarding domestic violence today.
Myth #1: Your behavior justifies your treatment.
This is one of the biggest myths out there, and it is so important to stress that it is simply not true. Your behavior never justifies being abused by your partner. It does not matter if you are ‘too quiet’ or ‘too loud’ or you are too ‘xyz.’ Nothing justifies domestic abuse.
Myth #2: Domestic and dating violence is not very common.
If we are to find out how to stop violence against women, we need to first acknowledge that this is a big problem. According to statistics, one in three women report being sexually or physically abused by a boyfriend or husband at some point in their lives. Moreover, one in four teenages will encounter some form of dating violence.
Myth #3: Seeing a counselor won’t help.
A lot of people assume that seeing a counselor or a therapist cannot help with domestic violence. It can. Each case is different but seeing a therapist can help you to get over this stage in your life and move onto the next, brighter chapter. Here are some tips on finding the best therapist for you:
• Ask friends and family. You should ask your friends and family if they know anyone who provides relationship counseling. They may be able to give you a few suggestions. Of course, you may not feel comfortable asking people you know about this, and that’s fine, simply move onto the next point.
• Read reviews. One of the best ways to find a good counselor is to read online reviews. This will help you to get a good understanding of what the therapist is like, as you will read comments that have been left by people that were once in your shoes. If they felt uncomfortable or were not happy with the service provided, you can rest assured there will be plenty of comments online warning you to look elsewhere.
• Discuss whether you want a male or female therapist. This is something you should both talk about beforehand. Although most people prefer female therapists for couple’s counseling, there are no hard or fast rules, it is all about what is right for you.
• Consider experience, but don’t get blinded by it. Of course, you need someone with a good resume and a considerable amount of experience, but the relationship itself is the most important. Trust your intuition and choose someone that makes you feel comfortable when you are in the room.
• Book a session. The only way you are going to know if a counselor is truly right for you and your partner is to book a session with them. After one session, you will probably know whether this is someone you both feel comfortable with and can open up to. There is no obligation to continue with the same therapist, but don’t let this stop you from continuing with counseling; try somewhere else.
Myth #4: Abusers cannot contain their anger and they lose control.
Last but not least, while we cannot generalize all abusers and put them into the same category, this is often not the case. In fact, the opposite tends to be true. Abusers are in control of their violence and their anger. They make calculated decisions about when and why they are going to target someone in the home.
Hopefully, you now feel like you have a better understanding regarding some of the most common misconceptions about domestic violence. There are many women all over the world today who are suffering due to domestic violence, and it is important that we talk about it so that we can help give those women the strength they need to speak up and get out of the situation. If this is something you are experiencing or you think a loved one is experiencing, please reach out to one of the many amazing charities out there.
Photography: from Pixbay. This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
