October is More Than Halloween
Financial problems brought on by recent events in the stock market, increasing layoffs, jobs sent over seas, political upheaval and distrust, inaccessible healthcare, home heating and gasoline wows, rising food costs, and financial uncertainty for the future are adding to extreme stress for many families, which in many cases will increase the frequency and severity of family violence. When the economy suffers, so do more women, children, elderly, and those who are disabled. Anyone who is deemed as vulnerable by the aggressor can become a victim. Some victims suffer physical abuse, some suffer emotional abuse and some suffer both.
As more awareness becomes available so does the community support and financial support. Since the mid ninteen ninty’s I made a vow to obtain and provide protection products to those who need them most. I was told there were no products available and there was no way to ensure safety 10 miles from town. If I backed down from every no I have heard in my life, I would not be where I am today.
Since 1996 I have sold and offered protection products from a web store and through shows and flea markets. I often hear stories of devastating experiences after the fact that it happened. I also often hear we did not know these products were available.
I found supportive people to keep close to me, my life partner being my biggest supporter. I found articles that gave me strength, I found organizations that paired me with mentors to help me to help others and make a difference. I have sent numerous articles over the web, through blogs, to on-line groups, several publications, any where I can find to reach people who need know there are places to obtain what you need to protect yourself. Another group overlooked who is rising in numbers of domestic abuse is our aging population.
From Medline Plus
It is hard to know exactly how common domestic violence is, because people often don’t report it. There is no typical victim. It happens among people of all ages. It affects those of all levels of income and education.
Please note: the behavior is not always gender specific)
Signs of an Abusive Relationship
If your partner is displaying a combination of these behaviors, then you may getting involved with a potential batterer.
1. He pushes for quick involvement. He comes on very strong, claiming, I have never felt loved like this by anyone. An abuser pressures a girl for an exclusive commitment almost immediately.
2. He is excessively possessive. He calls constantly or visits unexpectedly, prevents you from going to work because you might meet someone, and even checks the mileage on your car.
3. He is controlling. He interrogates you intensely (especially if you are ever late) about whom you talked to and where you were. He insists you ask his permission to go anywhere or do anything.
4. He has unrealistic expectations. He expects you to be the perfect girl all the time and meet his every need.
5. He isolates you. He tries to cut you off from family and friends and accuses people who are your supporters of causing trouble. An abuser may try to prevent you from holding a job, going to church or being part of school organizations.
6. He blames others for his problems and mistakes. The teacher, the coach, you always someone else is at fault if anything goes wrong.
7. He makes everyone else responsible for his feelings. An abuser says, You make me angry instead of, I am angry or,you are hurting me by not doing what I tell you to do. Less obvious but equally telling is the claim: You make me happy.
8. He is hypersensitive. He is easily insulted and claims that his feelings are hurt when he is really mad. He rants about the injustice of things that are just part of life.
9. He displays cruelty to animals. He kills or punishes animals brutally.
10. He displays playful use of force. He enjoys throwing you down or holding you down against your will. He forces you to kiss him and doesnot accept no.
11. He verbally abuses you. He constantly criticizes you or says blatantly cruel, hurtful things, degrades you, curses and calls you ugly names. If he does this in front of other people, you may really be at risk for physical abuse.
12. He insists on rigid roles for men and women. He is strong. You are weak. He expects you to serve and obey him because you are his woman.
13. He displays sudden mood swings. He switches from sweetly loving to explosively violent in minutes.
14. He has battered in the past. He admits to hitting girls in the past but says they or the situation made him do it.
15. He threatens you with physical violence. He makes statements like, I will break your neck, or I will kill you, and then dismisses them with, Everybody talks that way,or I did not really mean it.If he has come this far, it is time to get out and get help.
If your partner hits you in public, tries to strangle you or threatens suicide, get help fast. These are very real, very dangerous warning signs of extreme danger.
About the author
Carla Mattingly sells personal protection equipment, home safety products, business security, surveillance, Jewelry, Perfume Oil, Aloe-Esta and a host of health and well being products. Find out how to protect you family, yourself and others by visiting our Web Site at http://www.eppcorporation.comTags: domestic violence, Elderly Abuse, mental illness, rape, slavery, verbal abuse