It is a situation of abuse or power, of physical or psychological mistreatment of one family member over another.
Statistical figures in the US
One in four women experiences domestic abuse at some point in their lives, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
Intimate partner violence against women is very common and has many forms, the most serious being the homicide of the intimate partner, that is, feminicide.
Every day three women are murdered in the United States at the hands of a current or former partner, according to studies by the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Violence Policy Center.
Types of violence
Physical: Acts that attack the body of another person. Examples: hitting with objects or with the fist, pushing, pulling hair, slapping, kicking, dragging the other person's body, biting, spitting, strangling, etc.
Psychological: psychological violence is a type of violence that does not require the intervention of physical force, but damages the psychological, emotional and physical part. Some examples of this type of violence are: disqualifications, insults, humiliation, threats, shouting, the silent treatment, denying what has been told to the partner (gas lighting), provocations of jealousy.
Sexual: Sexual violence includes any unwanted and forced sexual activity. Actions such as: forcing the person to have degrading or humiliating sexual acts, psychological manipulation to force people to have unwanted sexual relations, even denying the partner having sexual relations for prolonged periods of time can be included in this category. It is necessary to clarify that a person cannot give consent if they have the following characteristics: they are a minor, they have a mental or physical disability, they are asleep or unconscious, they are highly intoxicated.
Economic: it is a form of domestic violence, where economic resources are involved. Some examples of this type of violence are: abandonment, negligence, not covering the basic needs of the family, exercising control through the economy, conditioning the economic resource only for the use of self-support and that of the children.
Cyber or media violence: this type of violence is exercised through the media or social networks; it includes online harassment, public insults, and the desire to inflict physical and sexual harm, which can lead victims to suicide. They also include the use of private material such as photographs or videos that are retained in order to embarrass and cause psychological harm to the victim.
What you can do to protect yourself
If you think your relationship is unhealthy or abusive, the most important thing is to think about your safety. "Personal and family safety is a human right. Help is available for people experiencing domestic violence, whether physical, emotional, or psychological violence."
If someone is in danger or believes they may be, the first step to take is to call the police at 911. Remember that anyone can file a report with the police. You do not have to be a citizen or resident. But it is very important to have legal advice from the beginning.
Resources for immigrants
All people living in the United States, regardless of their legal status, can dial the following toll-free numbers at any time of the day or night and any day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
National Center for Crime Victims: 1-800-394-2255
Mexicans can call the CIAM telephone number toll-free (from the USA it is: 1-855-4636395 and from Mexico it is: 001-520-623-7874) where they will receive information and help.
There are several resources to ask for help, help centers for survivors of domestic violence, many of these agencies offer free help, such as:
Denton Friends of the family. Tel: 940-387-5131
Family place. Tel. 214-941-1991
Genesis. Tel. 214-946-4357
Mosaic Family Services. Tel. 214-821-5393
The Salvation Army's violence program. Tel. 214-559-2170
The Stew Pot of the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Tel. 214-746-2785
Better Mornings. Tel. 972-254-4003
Families Toward Freedom. Tel. 972-885-7020
Hope's Door New Beginning Center. (Garland, TX). Tel. 972-422-2911.
Other private Spanish-speaking resources:
Therapy works counseling: Tel. 972-695 3421
Recommendation: take care of yourselves and protect your loved ones. Remember that you and your children deserve a life without violence.
