Because you are being exposed to threats, violence, intimidation, and emotional or psychological abuse, your sense of self will be altered. Reactions to violence may include difficulty concentrating, chronic physical complaints, shame and embarrassment, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, anxiety, social withdrawal depression, fear, self-blame, inability to relax, anger, numbness, low self-esteem, nightmares, substance abuse, hyper-vigilance.

You may blame your own behavior, rather than the abuser's behavior and circumstances in order to please the abuser, believing that if you follow certain rules and make sure the abuser is happy, you will not be hurt. However, the abuser's violence is self-driven, and depends little on your words or actions. You may minimize the seriousness of the incident in order to cope, and not seek medical attention or assistance when needed. You may fear the abuser and may be ashamed of the situation; you may be reluctant to disclose the abuse to family, friends, at work, or to the authorities or victim assistance professionals.

If you suffer from physical or emotional abuse, need safety or freedom from violence, need help with solving problems created by domestic violence or if you fear for your safety of your children contact us.