Patient Information
Abuse and Violence
Iowa Domestic Abuse Hotline: 1-800-942-0333
Abuse includes different behaviors used to establish power and control over the victim. This includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Often, because of guilt or shame, the victim does not report the abuse.
- 3 to 4 million American women are battered each year
- Battering occurs in all races, age groups, economic and educational groups
- Battering of women is the most underreported crime in America
- A battering is rarely an isolated event
- Battering tends to increase and become more violent over time
- Many batterers learned violent behaviors growing up in an abusive family
- 25 to 45% of all women who are battered are battered during pregnancy
Battering may begin or become worse during pregnancy.
Risks of Violence
- Battering may lead to miscarriage, low birth weight infant, or direct injury to the baby.
- Battering may lead to alcohol or drug abuse by the woman.
- Men who abuse their partners often abuse their children.
The Cycle of Violence
Phase 1
- Increase tension
- Anger
- Blaming
- Arguing
Phase 2
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal threats
- Battering
- Hitting
- Slapping
- Kicking
- Choking
- Use of weapons
Phase 3
- Calm stage
- Denial of Violence
- Abuser may say he was drunk
- Abuser says he is sorry
- Abuser promises never to do it again
Effects of Domestic Violence
Women |
Children |
Men |
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- Increased belief power/control are achieved by violence
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- Anger and increased threats of violence or violent behavior
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- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Permanent physical damage
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- Possessiveness, may keep close watch on partner or keep her away from her friends
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- Pain and injuries: usually to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and breasts
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- Increased risk of abuse
- Death
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- Increased emotional problems: moody behaviors alternated with charming behaviors
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- Repetition of abuse behavior
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- Emotional problems--depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders, thoughts of suicide
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IOWA DOMESTIC ABUSE HOTLINE
1-800-942-0333 |
Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004
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