October is Domestic Violence Month

  • Published
  • By Susan Alexander, 45th Space Wing Violence Prevention Director

Domestic violence, also known as Intimate Partner Violence, is a public health problem.  

 

Intimate Partner Violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats of physical or sexual violence, stalking and emotional or psychological abuse by a current or former intimate partner. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy. It exists along a continuum from a single episode of violence to severe episodes over a period of years. 

 

You may be in an abusive relationship if your partner does any of the following:

· Controls what you do, who you see and talk to or where you go

· Controls all of the financial resources

· Blames you for the abuse

· Makes all of the decisions

· Tells you that you’re a bad parent or threatens to take away or hurt your children

· Prevents you from working or attending school

· Intimidates you with weapons

· Shoves you, slaps you, chokes you or hits you

· Threatens suicide or to kill you

 

Leaving an abusive relationship:

It takes great courage to leave an abusive relationship.

Unfortunately, the most dangerous time for victims is often when they attempt to leave.  This doesn’t mean that victims should stay with their abusers. It does mean; however, that victims should seek help if they’re planning to leave. 

 

The below resources are available to assist:

Family Advocacy: 321-494-8171

Sexual Assault Victim Services: 321-494-4357

Chaplain: 321-494-4073

Legal: 321-494-5794

Mental Health: 321-494-8234

Women’s Center: 321-242-3110

Brevard Domestic Violence Hotline: 321-607-6809

Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 

Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647

 

For more information, contact the 45th Space Wing Violence Prevention Office at 321-494-3743.