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Family Life Center

A Domestic / Sexual Violence Center and Emergency Shelter

24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 386-437-3505 or 1-800-500-1119

Calendar

Information About

Domestic/ Sexual Violence

Click Below For Information on:

Effects of Violence on Children and Teens

Effects of Violence on the Elderly

Why People Stay in Abusive Relationships

What is Abuse?

Abuse is about Power or Control. It is a behavior that physically, sexually, emotionally, or psychologically causes harm, arouses fear, prevents someone from doing what she/he wishes, or forces her/him to do things she/he does not want to do. Abuse includes the use of physical and/or sexual violence, threats and intimidation, and economic deprivation.

Adults who are in or who have survived an abusive relationship can face many challenges. If you are a survivor, know that feelings such as these are normal, you are not alone, and counseling is available by calling the 24-hour Hotline at : 386-437-3505 or 1-800-500-1119

Abuse can cause:

Depression
Anger
Low self-esteem
Fear
Suicidal thoughts
Hopelessness
Feelings of being trapped

Who is Abused?

Abuse can affect anyone of any age, any background, and any gender. The abused and their abusive partners may be your neighbor, your co-worker, your sister, your mother, or YOU.

What is the Cycle of Violence?

The Cycle of Violence has Three Phases:

1.) Phase One- Tension Builds

Increased tension, anger, blaming and arguing. This phase may last a week, months, or years. However, it usually becomes more frequent as the cycle is repeated. It typically involves an increase in verbal and minor physical abuse. Sometimes, this is enough to frighten the victim into submission because the victim knows what will happen if he/she does not comply.
2.) Phase Two- Abuse takes place - The abuse may consist of hitting, slapping, kicking, choking, use of objects or weapons, sexual abuse, verbal threats, and financial abuse. During this phase, the batterer loses the desire or ability to control his/her anger and violence. The batterer learns that this type of action helps to "relieve stress" and "change behavior". Just following this episode the batterer and the partner are most likely to seek help. The partner is hurt and scared, and the batterer is feeling ashamed, guilty and humiliated.
3.) Phase Three- Honeymoon Phase- During this phase, the abuser will use excuses and apologies to make amends with the survivor. The batterer may deny violence, say he/she was drunk, say sorry and promise that it will never happen again. At the peak of this stage both parties may deny or distort what has occurred.