Recently Juandolyn Stokes and Nancy Friauf, CEO of Partnership Against Domestic Violence, discuss October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The alarming statistics for domestic violence is 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 women are survivors of domestic violence, and 1 in 7 men are survivors of domestic violence. 15% of men will experience domestic and 85% of women will experience domestic violence.
Friauf goes on to say children who grow up in homes with domestic violence are likely to act out in school, regress in development, have problems in school, experience sleeplessness and have nightmares. Older children engage in risky sexual behavior, engage in substance abuse, or contemplate suicide.
Friauf tells Stokes there are several types of domestic abuse abuse including financial, sexual, emotional, and physical. She says the abuse is all about power and control. The perpetrator constantly blames the victim for their behavior and the victim comes to believe they are the reason for the abuse. Friauf says the only person who can stop the abuse is the perpetrator.
Friauf shares 1 in 3 young people will experience dating violence. She says it is important to know warning signs of potentially abusive relationships which can start with emotional or verbal abuse. Friauf goes on to say abusers know your weak spot and use it against you.
Friauf's tips for those in an abusive situation or relationship are to pay attention to unhealthy signs, if you see them talk to someone about it. Call the PADV 24/7 at 404-873-1766 they answer about 10,000 crisis calls a year. Develop a safety plan. Do not tell a perpetrator you are leaving because victims are most likely to be killed when they are leaving or after they have left.
For more information please visit PADV.org.
Listen to the full interview below.
On Point with Juandolyn Stokes can be heard Mon - Fri from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Listen through News & Talk 1380-WAOK, V-103FM (HD3) www.WAOK.com or download the Audacy App from www.Audacy.com.
