Text Pledge is a nonprofit in Greater Grand Rapids, MI, that focuses on social issues. As such, we know that abuse from a partner tends to escalate over time. According to , choking is the most lethal form of domestic violence and a strong predictor of homicide. In fact, victims who have been choked are 750% more likely to be killed by their abusers.
Warning for Victims of Domestic Violence
Please be advised that if you’re in an abusive relationship, your partner may be monitoring your internet usage without your knowledge. The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers a guide on .
Get the Facts
Domestic violence and assault is more common than you may think. Here are some recent statistics from the .
1 in 3WOMEN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED RAPE, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE, AND/OR STALKING BY AN INTIMATE PARTNER
1 in 4MEN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED RAPE, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE, AND/OR STALKING BY AN INTIMATE PARTNER
1 in 10HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL VIOLENCE FROM A PARTNER
How to Recognize Domestic Violence
Aren’t sure if you’re being abused by a partner? Ask yourself the following questions.
Does your partner…
- Threaten or intimidate you to get what they want?
- Physically attack you? (Grabbing, punching, shoving, kicking, etc.)
- Force you to take part in a sex act without your consent?
- Downplay or mock your achievements?
- Embarrass or shame you in front of other people?
- Question your ability to make decisions?
- Tell you that you would be nothing without them?
- Call or text you excessively to check up on you?
- Blame you for their words, feelings, and actions?
- Strand you or keep you from leaving after a fight?
- Closely monitor and track your email, social media, or other online activity?
If you recognize the above behaviors in your partner, it’s important that you create a safety plan until you’re able to leave them. Likewise, if you recognize the signs that someone is being abused by their partner, it’s important that you reach out to a trusted adult for help.
Barriers for Leaving an Abusive Partner
A lot of people may ask a victim of domestic violence, “Why don’t you just leave?” But it’s often not that simple, especially if there are children involved and/or a victim is dependent on their partner for financial security. The first 18 months after leaving an abusive partner are also the most dangerous, according to the .
Barriers for leaving an abusive relationship include:
- Isolation: Abusers often isolate their victims from family, friends, and community support that could help them escape.
- Children: Victims worry about their abusers gaining custody of and/or hurting their children.
- Fear: Victims often fear for their lives and don’t want to risk retaliation from their abusers.
- Economic Necessity: Abusers often control the household finances so victims have no financial means of escaping.
- Full Shelters: Victims may not have access to women’s shelters in their area or those shelters may be full.
- Immigration Status: Victims may worry that reporting domestic violence may lead to them being deported and/or separated from their children.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers a free and interactive safety planning tool. This tool can help improve safety while a victim is planning to escape or is in the process of leaving their abusive partner.
Pledge to Stop Domestic Violence and Assault
You can make a difference by taking the pledge to stop domestic violence and assault. While you’re here, we also encourage you and your loved ones to check out our other pledges. Learn about and take pledge 7 to help end driving under the influence. If you have any questions for our nonprofit in Greater Grand Rapids, MI, please feel free to fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
