Anyone, regardless of gender or the gender of their partner, can potentially experience domestic abuse, whether physical or emotional. Violence and harassment of any kind are unequivocally unacceptable and must be addressed. [1]

When discussing the terminology surrounding victims, it’s important to consider how people identify themselves. According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, there are distinctions between those who see themselves as victims versus those who identify as survivors. This distinction can significantly affect a person’s healing journey and their engagement with support services. “RAINN tends to use the term “victim” when referring to someone who has recently been affected by sexual violence,” and use “survivor” when referring to someone who has gone through the recovery process.” [2]

Domestic violence can also be referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse. It is characterized by a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another. This form of violence can manifest in various ways, including economic, physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. IPV encompasses not only stalking and physical violence but also psychological aggression perpetrated by a current or former partner. [3] Understanding these dynamics is crucial for recognizing the signs of abuse and providing effective support.

In the United States, this issue is unfortunately too prevalent. Approximately 1 in 3 women experience some form of abuse in their lifetime, [4] Additionally, 1 in 6 transgender people encounter IPV. [5] The situation is even more dire for Indigenous women; more than 4 in 5 American Indian/Alaska Native women report having experienced violence at some point in their lives. [6] Such statistics highlight a critical public health issue that affects countless people across different demographics across the country.

Pregnant women who live in areas where there are bans on abortion care are facing increased IPV. Research indicates that “pregnancy is a known trigger for domestic violence.” [7] In situations like these, coercive control becomes a tactic where the abuser punishes their partner for any resistance to not comply, and this behavior aims to maintain the victim’s sense of confusion, helplessness, fear and maintains the abusive cycle. [8]

Abusers often employ fear, threats, and sexual violence to exert control over their partners. The Duluth Model highlights how these tactics function within a broader framework of power and control, making it clear that the effects of abuse extend far beyond physical harm. [9] It is essential to recognize that these behaviors can create a feeling of insecurity and apprehension that affects people’s ability to seek help or leave their abusers.

In many Latine/x communities, power and control can be particularly complex, often rooted in cultural beliefs such as machismo, familismo, marianismo and religious ideologies. Victims may face additional pressures, including societal expectations that suggest, “If you chose to be with them, you must accept them as they are.” This cultural stigma can be further compounded by fears of deportation if an abuser is reported, as well as damaging questions like, “What did she do to deserve being hit?” [10] These factors contribute to a culture of silence and complicity, making it more challenging to seek support.

Queer people also face unique barriers when seeking help. In certain states, the legal frameworks surrounding domestic abuse do not include protections for same-sex relationships. This oversight can leave many feeling isolated and vulnerable. The risk of “outing” oneself can deter people from reaching out for assistance. Limitations in queer-friendly resources, combined with the threat of homophobia, bias, and prejudice within the justice system, complicate the process of seeking help for those in queer relationships. [11] These systemic barriers to safety and support for queer people experiencing domestic violence are a deterrent for help.

The prolonged impact of experiencing domestic abuse can be profound and far-reaching. Survivors may face social isolation, challenges in forming friendships, loss of agency, community ostracism, difficulties in securing employment, reproductive health issues, substance misuse, sleep disturbances, and heightened levels of stress.[12] These mental health impacts are some of the consequences, that can be distressing to someone.

For those seeking support, various resources are available to help people navigate their experiences and find the help they need. Such as:

1. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, offers information on understanding relationship abuse and finding local resources.
2. Love Is Respect, provides valuable guidance for young people navigating unhealthy relationships.
3. Anti-Violence Project, provides 24/7 support for Queer people experiencing violence.
4. Esperanza United, focuses specifically on supporting the needs of Latine/x communities affected by violence.

By raising awareness, advocating for inclusive resources, and supporting survivors, we can work towards a society where everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, can live free from violence and abuse.

Resources:

1. https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/understand-relationship-abuse/
2. Survivor Justice On and Off Campus
3. https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/types-of-abuse/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/
5. https://www.hrc.org/resources/understanding-intimate-partner-violence-in-the-lgbtq-community
6. https://www.ncai.org/section/vawa/overview/key-statistics
7. https://msmagazine.com/2024/10/15/abortion-bans-domestic-violence-women-die/
8. https://dremmakatz.substack.com/p/why-coercive-control-gets-worse-during
9. https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/understanding-power-control-wheel/#outerring
10. https://www.familyjusticecenter.org/resources/power-control-wheel-latina-survivors/
11. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ipv-sex-abuse-lgbt-people/
12. https://psychcentral.com/health/understanding-the-effects-of-domestic-violence#mental-health-impacts