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Signs and Symptoms of Domestic Violence |
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Domestic violence takes many forms. Though many associated domestic violence with physical battery, there are other aspects to an abusive relationship; some might not involve physical battery whatsoever. One of these aspects is isolation, however, many abusers use a combination of tactics to control and manipulate their victims.
Power, control, and manipulation are the tools abusers use to subdue their victims. Isolation causes their partners to become fully dependent on their abuser. In many cases of domestic violence, the abuser will isolate the victim from friends and family members. This isolation may extend to the work environment as well. Other forms of isolation associated with domestic violence appear through the guise of possessiveness and being over protective. Abusers might exhibit extreme jealousy and follow, stalk, or harass their partners or interrogate them after they’ve been away from the home (or from the abuser’s control).
Abusers often attempt to hide their controlling and manipulative ways through love. They might begin by saying that they love you so much they don’t want to let you out of their sight, or that since you two are so much in love you don’t need to be with other people. Some abusers become enraged at the thought of their partner being away from them for any length of time. In these situations, simple things like going to the grocery store, bank, or even picking up children from school can be grounds for an all out war on the home front.
Isolation often extends to telephone conversations as well. When someone is in an abusive relationship their partner might take their cell phone and constantly check phone numbers to see who the victim has been speaking with. Others might take the phone, computer, and other forms of communication away from the victim, increasing their isolation. It is very common for victims of domestic violence to feel trapped as well as isolated. Isolation keeps the victim dependent upon his or her abuser and prevents the abused from seeking help.
It is often this isolation that becomes the underlying cause as to women (or men) feeling that they cannot leave their abuser. When a victim has been repeatedly isolated, withdrawn from friends and family members, and have had many aspects of their lives controlled their sense of independence is severely damaged. For the victim, the thought of simply getting up and leaving the abuser is put on the back burner as the victim is overcome with many fears: fear of being alone, fear of punishment from the abuser, and fear that they can truly be a strong, independent person as their self esteem has been repeatedly attacked and damaged.
If you are in an abusive situation and believe you are isolated, you must realize that this is a tactic being used by your abuser. There are counselors available to speak with you, 24 hours per day/7 days a week. Whether by phone, over the Internet, or in person you can find help and break the cycle of violence.
If you are in a domestic violence situation and need help, please contact the Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence here: 1-800-500-1119 or on the web here: FCADV. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
To find domestic violence shelters in your county please click the links below.
Florida Certified Domestic Violence Centers (City)
Florida Certified Domestic Violence Centers (County)
Domestic Violence Videos from CBS News
Domestic Violence in Tampa Bay News
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