By Katlyn Miller, Development Associate - Manager of Communications & Media Strategy
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. While we dedicate every day to supporting survivors and educating community members about domestic violence, we’re dedicating this month to continuing these crucial conversations. Let’s jump in by taking a look at some common myths and misconceptions about domestic violence.
MYTH: If a survivor doesn’t leave their abuser, then the abuse must not be that bad.
TRUTH: Leaving an abusive partner is a very difficult thing to do and takes a lot of courage. Abusers use manipulation tactics to exert power and control over their partners, which can instill a lot of fear and a sense of isolation among survivors. There are many different reasons survivors may find it difficult to leave their abusers, and sometimes staying is safer than leaving. It’s important to be compassionate toward survivors’ choices and circumstances. With MSP’s client-centered approach to our work, we believe that survivors know what is best for them, and we work alongside them to create safety planning strategies.
MYTH: Only women and children are affected by domestic violence.
TRUTH: Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of their gender, sexuality, age, race, economic status, or education level.
MYTH: My partner only gets violent when they drink, so that doesn’t count as abuse.
TRUTH: Abuse is abuse, and it is never acceptable. Drug and/or alcohol use is NOT an excuse. It is a choice for an abuser to act out abusive behaviors, regardless if they are intoxicated or not.
MYTH: Physical abuse is the most serious form of abuse.
TRUTH: No form of abuse is better or worse than another. Abuse takes on many forms, including physical, emotional/verbal, sexual, financial, digital, and religious/spiritual abuse. Any type of abuse can cause serious harm to survivors, physically or psychologically. No one’s pain is more or less valid than another’s.
MYTH: Domestic violence doesn’t happen in affluent communities.
TRUTH: Domestic violence occurs in every community and can happen to anyone, regardless of their economic or educational background.
MYTH: Tough love is the best way to help a friend experiencing domestic violence.
TRUTH: The best thing to do to help a loved one who’s experiencing abuse is to listen and be compassionate and supportive of them. Showing them “tough love” won’t help; it may make them feel judged and isolated. There’s nothing wrong with expressing that you’re worried about your loved one, but allow them to make their own decisions. Abuse is all about power and control, so it’s important for survivors to feel like they have as much control over their own choices as possible.
We hope this helped debunk any myths or misconceptions you may have heard about domestic violence, and we encourage you to share these myth busters to spread awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, we’re here to support you whenever you need us. Call our 24/7 free and confidential hotline at 1-800-298-7233 (SAFE).