Domestic Violence Counseling in West Palm Beach, FL

What Is Domestic Violence?

Have you ever experienced any of the following in your home?:

• Hit, slapped, pushed, or shoved
• Forced to engage in sexual acts that you did not want to engage in
• Overly criticized for your appearance or something you did wrong
• Been prevented from working, participating in your hobbies, or spending time with your friends
• Had your activity monitored excessively, such as going through your phone
• Been followed, threatened, or made to feel unsafe

Surprisingly enough, these are all examples of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse does not only have to be hitting or fighting with your partner. Any form of emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse is considered domestic violence. 

How to Help Victims of Domestic Violence?

If you know someone who has experienced domestic violence you can help by:

• Believing your loved one when they share their experience. Domestic violence often happens behind closed doors so the person telling you their experience put their trust in you. Take the time to listen and just be there.
• Ask what your loved one needs. Don’t assume they are looking for a solution. Sometimes a domestic violence survivor wants you to listen; sometimes they want advice, and sometimes they want support. Just ask.
• Don’t judge them. It is often difficult and scary to leave a domestic violence situation for fear of more violence. Respect your loved one’s wishes.
• Educate yourself. Learn about the experiences of domestic violence survivors and the resources available to be able to help your loved one.
• Be patient. Recovery from domestic abuse is not linear. Sometimes people may fall back into old habits. Continue being supportive and let your loved one know you are always there for them.

Everyone’s experience is different. Remember you are not alone in helping your loved one deal with domestic violence. A professional can help you and your family heal from traumatic events. 

What Causes Domestic Violence? 

Several factors can contribute to domestic violence, including:

• Childhood abuse: Often people who were abused in early childhood are likely to become abusers.
• Substance use: The use of drugs and alcohol often increases the risk of domestic violence.
• Mental health issues: Sometimes mental health disorders can lead to feelings of anger and domestic abuse.

The saying “hurt people hurt people” applies well to domestic abusers. Therapy can help both the victim and the abuser.

How to Stop Domestic Violence?

It can be daunting to take action against domestic violence.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Create a safety plan: Have a safe place to stay when needed; develop a code word with friends and family; keep a bag packed with essentials and important documents. Create a long-term plan before leaving that involves housing and social support.
• Seek help: A therapist can help you learn to set and enforce boundaries, create a plan, and recover from domestic abuse.
• Take legal action: You can get an order of protection to protect yourself and prevent the likeliness of your abuser hurting you.
• Social support: Going through domestic abuse alone can be difficult. Having the support of your family and friends can make recovering from domestic abuse more manageable.

If you are experiencing violence, please reach out for help. 

What Do You Call a Person Who Commits Domestic Violence?

Someone who commits domestic abuse is often called an abuser, perpetrator, or offender. 

Why Do People Go Through Domestic Violence?

Domestic abuse is a complex situation involving multiple factors, such as stigma and fear. You may wonder “Why don’t they just leave?”. It is important to remember that domestic violence is not the victim’s fault. Sometimes leaving can create a more dangerous situation for the victim.

Some other reasons people experience domestic violence include:

• Past abuse or trauma
• No family or social support
• High stress
• Mental health issues
• Cultural norms that perpetuate abuse 

There is no specific reason why someone experiences domestic abuse. It is important to remember to never blame the victim and instead be supportive and empathetic to their experience.  

Can I Tell My Therapist About Domestic Violence?

You can and should tell your therapist if you are experiencing domestic abuse. Therapy is a safe space for you to share your experience, trauma, and be vulnerable in allowing you to heal. Our therapists provide a secure and comfortable environment for you to process your experience. In therapy, you can explore the effects that domestic violence has on your mental state, help you develop coping strategies, and create a safety plan. Therapists are mandated to report child or elderly abuse, or if they believe you will harm yourself or someone else. Therapists are not mandated to report domestic abuse.

What Type of Therapist Handles Domestic Violence?

It can be difficult to find a good trauma therapist for domestic violence. Try to look for licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and clinical psychologists.  Some therapists specialize in treating domestic abuse trauma. Make sure your therapist has experience in working with clients dealing with the same issues as you.

Who Benefits From Domestic Violence Therapy?

Survivors of domestic violence abuse can benefit from therapy by learning to take back control of their lives, increase self-esteem, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.