Blog Post: Get the Facts About Domestic Violence
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the DC Forensic Nurse Examiners (DCFNE) have answered some fundamental questions about domestic violence, including our role in supporting survivors. Although these questions are just the tip of the iceberg, we encourage you to learn more and seek support if needed.
Domestic violence is a complex web of physical and psychological harm. It is often described as a four-stage pattern: tension-building, incident, reconciliation, and calm. Repeat. There are blockbuster movies, bestselling books, and attention grabbing celebrity headlines about domestic violence. Those who are less familiar with the topic or have not been impacted by domestic violence might watch or read those stories and wonder “Why don’t they leave?” They also may not recognize the elements of emotional abuse between family members as anything more than mean. Domestic violence is not linear and it does not discriminate.
If you are reading this blog post, you came here for a reason. Simply, you would like to learn more by dedicating time to understanding what domestic violence entails. Maybe you are curious about your own personal relationships, or you need support and access to resources that assist your healing. Whatever the reason, we are glad you’re here.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence (DV) is a term that describes violence between members of the same household. This can be between married partners, romantic relationships, or even family members or roommates. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a common term that is sometimes used interchangeably with DV, but is specific to violence between romantic partners.
What types of abuse are common in domestic violence?
DV extends beyond physical violence, although that’s often what comes to mind. It’s a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one person to exert power and control over another. While physical abuse includes acts like hitting or restraining, there are several other forms that can be harder for bystanders to identify—a concept referred to as “invisible violence.” Some examples include:
Emotional abuse - The abuser may insult, criticize, or humiliate the victim.* They may demonstrate extreme jealousy and possessiveness. They might isolate the victim from their friends and family.
Sexual abuse - The abuser may force, manipulate, or threaten a partner into sexual acts.
Financial abuse - The abuser may prevent the victim from accessing funds. They might steal money or intentionally damage the victim’s credit.
Digital abuse - The abuser might monitor the victims online activities, violate their privacy, or bully them on social media.
Stalking - The abuser may show up uninvited, or make repeated, unwanted contact with the victim via phone or text.
Reproductive coercion - The abuser might attempt to trap the victim by getting them pregnant or by getting pregnant themselves. They may remove condoms without permission, tamper with birth control, or prevent them from getting an abortion. An abuser might also force the victim to get an abortion against their will.
How prevalent is domestic violence?
Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Alarmingly, studies show that 44% of lesbian women, 61% of bisexual women, and 35% of heterosexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. 26% of gay men, 37% of bisexual men, and 29% of heterosexual men experience the same. (Source)
What are the consequences of domestic violence for individuals and communities?
Survivors of domestic violence experience a variety of health consequences, including headaches, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, and poor mental health. Studies show that 81% of women and 35% of men who experience intimate partner violence report significant short and long term impacts, including symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition to the effect on individual health, it is estimated that DV costs our nation billions of dollars annually due to its impact on healthcare systems, the justice system, and lost productivity. (Source) Children or other family members who witness domestic violence are also adversely affected. Children may experience anxiety, trouble sleeping, depression, substance abuse disorder, dissociative identity disorder and PTSD—contributing to poor academic and social outcomes.
How do forensic nurses help survivors of domestic violence?
Forensic nurses play a vital role in supporting survivors by providing medical care, documenting injuries, and connecting them to important resources to begin their healing process. Additionally, the information that is collected at the time of the exam may be useful in legal proceedings, should the patient choose to report to law enforcement. Exams with a DCFNE forensic nurse are 100% confidential and can be conducted at a private location. In Washington, DC, a survivor can request a free exam with DCFNE by calling the DC Victim Hotline at 844-4-HELP-DC (844-443-5732).
As we move through October, let’s commit to understanding domestic violence more deeply and supporting survivors in every way we can. Together, we can help create a world where healing, connection, and support thrive.
*Patients seen by DCFNE may self identify as a "victim" or "survivor." DCFNE staff may occasionally mirror the language of a patient or audience during verbal or written communications, public events, or trainings in order to provide trauma-informed services. However, DCFNE maintains that regardless of how a person chooses to define their experience, all clients served by DCFNE are "patients," first and foremost.