Henry Montero, LMHC, CASAC-2, CTTS
Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling
1154 E. Tremont Ave Bronx, NY 10460-2452
Tel: 718-664-7679
www.alquimedez.com
Email: info@alquimedez.com
Twitter: @henmontero
Instagram: alquimedezmentalhealth
Domestic violence is a serious matter that affects households across the world. Women and men are subjected to all kinds of abuse at the hands of their spouse or intimate partner. Victimization in a domestic setting can damage households irrevocably and scar victims permanently as well.
The ill effects of domestic violence can be better explained through numbers. It is estimated that up to 50% of families who are rendered homeless have suffered from domestic violence of some kind. Another adverse effect of domestic violence is that victims end up costing the healthcare system nearly 6 billion dollars each year in costs!
Treatment
Like any other ailment and affliction, domestic violence requires attention. Since domestic violence can include all types of actions like physical and sexual assault, verbal, emotional and financial abuse as well, therefore, proper treatment must be meted out accordingly to victims.
Domestic violence victims require safety and security. As a protection to domestic abuse victims is essential, medical professionals who cater to these individuals strongly suggest that those who are endangered at home should develop a safety plan in case things go awry.
A safety plan is designed to allow the victim to keep a communication device, i.e., a cellular phone at his disposal at all times and trying to maintain a semblance of harmony and peace at home as well. If that fails, then the victims are recommended to seek a restraining order from the court. Such an injunction will lead to the victimizer being unable to harm the victim for starters.
There are other contingencies that can be implemented if things continue to escalate. For example, victims can change the site of their work or request a transfer if need be. Even altering smaller details like using a new parking slot can prove beneficial. In terms of interaction with others nearby, experts suggest that having an emergency contact(s) on standby and alerting neighbors or coworkers in case of danger are good ideas too.
As women are victims more often than not, doctors have coined a method known as the Duluth Model. Also known as the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DIAP), the approach enables women to garner support so that they can successfully combat domestic violence.
Also, the model also utilizes legal resources to keep female victims secure from abuse. If aggressive men are reprimanded for their actions, then the chances of women suffering at their hands again decrease significantly.
While other treatment methods have been applied in cases of domestic violence, none have been accepted as widely as the Duluth Model. Those who do not have access are still recommended to find a support group in the vicinity. This can be advantageous since conversing with others and communicating effectively could result in a reduction in victimizing your partner or being the victim yourself.
Also, being in a dedicated congregation can help overcome the side effects of domestic violence like mental health concerns. For example, those who have suffered from sustained periods may be depressed. Involvement in a social group can help alleviate this depression and build shattered self-esteem as well.
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