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What is Domestic Violence?
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Effects of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can include physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and economic abuse. Some common effects of domestic violence on victims and survivors can include:
- Physical injuries
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Depression
- Feelings of guilt and self-blame
- Feelings of mistrust
- Anxiety
- Strain on other relationships
- Financial difficulties
- Substance abuse
- Feeling isolated
- Health issues appearing or worsening
- Distrust of police and/or legal system
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
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Barriers to Leaving
- Fear of losing custody of their children
- Cultural and/or religious values
- Believing the abuser will change or stop being abusive
- The abuser threatens suicide or other self-destructive behavior
- Lack of financial independence or resources
- Being isolated from loved ones, family, and friends
- Unable to access important documents like birth certificate, passport, or license
- Fear of being targeted by racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, etc. by abuser or when reaching out for help
- Fear of losing benefits such as insurance
- Many, many more reasons