Domestic Violence Counseling
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence, commonly known as intimate partner violence (IPV), constitutes a pervasive pattern of behaviors wherein one partner seeks to exert power and control over the other in the context of an intimate relationship.
This form of abuse encompasses physical, sexual, emotional, and financial dimensions, creating a complex web of victimization. It is crucial for those experiencing any form of abuse to recognize that they are not to blame for their partner’s actions and that support services are available. Identifying the signs of abuse is pivotal in seeking help and breaking the cycle of violence. Friends and loved ones can contribute significantly by offering non-judgmental support to those facing domestic violence. The impact of abuse extends beyond physical harm, often leaving enduring psychological scars. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort to raise awareness, promote education, and foster a supportive community that actively works towards preventing and eliminating domestic violence.
Warning Signs of Domestic Violence:
- Some of the signs of an abusive relationship include a partner who:
- Tells you that you can never do anything right
- Shows extreme jealousy of your friends and time spent away
- Keeps you or discourages you from seeing friends or family members
- Insults, demeans or shames you with put-downs
- Controls every penny spent in the household
- Takes your money or refuses to give you money for necessary expenses
- Looks at you or acts in ways that scare you
- Controls who you see, where you go, or what you do
- Prevents you from making your own decisions
- Tells you that you are a bad parent or threatens to harm or take away your children
- Prevents you from working or attending school
- Destroys your property or threatens to hurt or kill your pets
- Intimidates you with guns, knives or other weapons
- Pressures you to have sex when you don’t want to or do things sexually you’re not comfortable with
- Pressures you to use drugs or alcohol
We Are Here To Help!
WEF offers free, individual counseling and case management for survivors of domestic abuse. Trained professionals provide confidential one-on- one counseling, which allows clients who are (or have been) victims of domestic violence an opportunity to begin the healing process.
Case management services are also provided. An individualized plan is developed with each person focusing on their immediate safety, and addressing related issues. This plan then serves as a reference point for monitoring progress.
We help clients gain access to critical resources for housing, employment, education and training, child care, legal issues, budgeting and safety planning. In addition, the Support Center staff reaches out to many other organizations that may come in contact with people who are dealing with domestic violence to acquaint them with the supports and services available.
- KEEP an extra set of keys and some money outside your home or in a secret place in case you need to leave quickly.
- TELL friends and family members you can trust about your situation.
- AVOID arguments in the bathroom, kitchen, garage or anywhere there are sharp objects.
- PUT your back toward open space, not toward a corner, if at all possible during arguments.
- TEACH your children to be safe by staying out of the violence, calling 911, and going to a safe place.
- HAVE a list of phone numbers of friends and family who can help in a safe and accessible place.