October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and here at the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute we are excited to engage in conversation and work to both break the cycle and end the stigma associated with domestic violence. Every minute, nearly 20 people in the United States are physically abused by an intimate partner. Domestic violence, however, is not exclusive to physical harm. In an abusive relationship, one partner intentionally manipulates and/or controls another to create a feeling of powerlessness. This can be done through physical, emotional, or economical means and looks different in each relationship.
Understanding Domestic Violence
Given that domestic violence and relationship abuse take on many different forms, it can be difficult to identify if you or someone you loved is in an abusive relationship. Abuse is a cycle that tends to get worse over time and is made up of the following stages: Tension Building, Incident of Violence, Reconciliation.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse
Coercion, belittlement, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, stalking, gaslighting, physical violence, emotional manipulation, constant monitoring, threats against children, financial withholding, and religious manipulation are all forms of domestic violence.
Whether physical, sexual, or emotional, the following warning signs may help you identify if a loved one is experiencing abuse:
- They withdraw from friendships and other relationships
- They look to their partner for permission
- Their partner has unrealistic expectations
- Physical signs of abuse such as bruising or other injuries
- The relationship starts off extremely strong (Love Bombing, see our blog post here: https://www.jessicayaffa.org/what-is-love-bombing/)
- They express feelings of anxiety or fear around the relationship
How to Support a Loved One Experiencing Abuse
When you’re looking to support a loved one experiencing abuse, remember that showing love, respecting their agency, and supporting their decision is crucial. We suggest beginning a conversation in a safe, private space and starting on a positive note. Ensure that your loved one knows that your concern comes from a place of love. You can share resources such as the following centers, hotlines, and networks and let them know that you are there for them no matter what.
National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence https://nrcdv.org/
Victim Connect Resource Center https://victimconnect.org/
How Relationship Coaches Can Support Survivors
Relationship coaches are equipped to support you or your loved one as you work through an abusive relationship. At the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute, our San Diego-based relationship coaches offer both one on one and couples’ sessions to help you better understand yourself in the context of an intimate relationship. Coaching sessions are tailored to meet your unique needs and often surround topics related to self-worth, unhealthy dynamics, toxic patterns, communications, and goal setting. The institute also offers online relational workshops and in person relational retreats that create a supportive and empowering environment.
If you or someone you know could benefit from relationship coaching services, you can contact us and schedule a consultation at https://www.jessicayaffa.org/relationship-coach/
Our next Women’s Relational Wellbeing Retreat will be taking place February 7th to 9th, 2025 at the Temecula Estate in Southern California. More information can be found here https://www.jessicayaffa.org/relational-retreats/
Taking Action During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
We hope that you’ll consider taking action to support survivors of domestic violence during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Here are some meaningful ways that you can get involved and make a difference:
- Learn about domestic violence. Just reading this blog can make a difference. Educating yourself on the signs, patterns, and effects of abuse is a critical tool for prevention and support.
- Share information. Use your social media platforms, workplace, or other community groups to share educational materials, raise awareness, and work to end the stigma surrounding domestic violence.
- Support local organizations. There are organizational all across the country that provide important resources to survivors who need your support. You can volunteer your time or donate funds and other supplies to local agencies. Many agencies are also likely to host fundraisers during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Featured Fundraiser
Jessica Yaffa, the institute’s CEO and founder serves as the president at NoSilence NoViolence, a San Diego non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, training, resources, and community development to eliminate the stigma and create change surrounding relationship abuse.
NoSilence NoViolence is hosting its 10th annual fundraiser to benefit survivors of domestic violence this month! We are excited to invite you to join us in our commitment to reducing domestic violence and honoring the strength of survivors at this year’s fundraiser October 24th from 6 to 8:30 PM at the Del Mar Social.
Purchase tickets and learn more at https://www.speakingoutnsnv.org/2024-annual-fundraiser/
Sources
https://www.jessicayaffa.org/how-can-i-support-my-loved-one-after-abuse/
