SAFE-T Crisis Center

10/15/2026

Perceptions of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is often misunderstood because of the many myths and misconceptions surrounding abuse. Some people may believe that domestic violence only involves physical violence, such as hitting or punching. In reality, domestic violence can include emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as controlling or intimidating behaviors. Abuse is often about power and control and can occur in many different types of relationships and circumstances.

Society may also place unfair expectations on victims and question why they do not simply leave an abusive relationship. These perceptions can create additional barriers for survivors who may already be experiencing fear, financial dependence, isolation, threats, or concern for their children and personal safety. Leaving an abusive relationship is not always immediate or straightforward, and separation can sometimes increase the risk of harm.

Another common misconception is that domestic violence is caused by anger, alcohol, drugs, or stress. While these factors may contribute to an abusive situation, they do not excuse abusive behavior or make the victim responsible for it. Responsibility for abuse belongs to the person choosing to use abusive or controlling behavior.

Understanding domestic violence requires moving beyond stereotypes and recognizing that anyone can experience abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or background. Creating greater awareness and responding without judgment can help survivors feel supported and more comfortable seeking assistance.

CALL TO ACTION:

📣We all have a role in changing the way domestic violence is perceived and addressed.

🟣Educate yourself, challenge harmful myths, listen without judgment, and support survivors rather than questioning their choices. If you recognize signs of abuse in your own life or someone else's, take those concerns seriously and connect with trusted advocates or local resources for support and safety planning.

🟣Most importantly, speak up when you see or hear attitudes that blame victims or normalize abuse. By increasing awareness, offering compassion, and holding abusers accountable for their actions, we can help create safer communities where survivors are believed, respected, and supported.

!IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!


Asking for help is NOT a weakness.
You DESERVE to feel safe, valued and respected.
KEEP going your story does not end with what happened to you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support, SAFE-T Crisis Center is here to help.

Public Opinion About Domestic Violence | Office of Justice Programs

Ciera Hamilton
Prevention Specialist/Advocate

10/15/2026

SAFE-T Crisis Center
204 Patrick St. Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
Hotline: 24/7: 903-575-9999

10/14/2026

10/09/2026

SAFE-T Crisis Center
204 Patrick St. Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
903-572-0973 or HOTLINE 24/7 903-575-9999

10/08/2026

💜 Why Don't I See Myself as a Victim of Domestic Violence?

Understanding the hidden signs of abuse and why recognizing it can be so difficult.
When people hear the words domestic violence, they often picture physical injuries, police calls, or someone being physically hurt. But domestic violence doesn't always leave visible bruises. Sometimes, it looks like constantly walking on eggshells, being afraid to make your partner angry, having your phone monitored, or being told who you can talk to and where you can go. It can also involve emotional manipulation, financial control, threats, sexual coercion, and isolation. Abuse is not always about physical violence; it can be a pattern of behaviors used to gain and maintain power and control over another person.
So why do so many people struggle to recognize themselves as victims? Sometimes, they have been made to believe the abuse is their fault. They may hear things like, "You made me do this," or "If you would just listen, I wouldn't get so angry." Others may believe the behavior is normal because they have experienced it for years. Many survivors still love their partners and hold on to the hope that things will change. When apologies, affection, and promises follow abusive incidents, it can become difficult to recognize the ongoing pattern of abuse.
💜 TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence can take many forms, and a survivor may experience more than one type of abuse at the same time.
Physical Abuse: Hitting, pushing, choking, restraining, or using physical force to hurt or intimidate someone.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Humiliation, manipulation, intimidation, gaslighting, threats, or making someone question their own reality.
Verbal Abuse: Name-calling, insults, constant criticism, yelling, or using words to degrade or control a partner.
Sexual Abuse: Forcing or pressuring someone into sexual activity without their consent, including within a marriage or relationship.
Financial/Economic Abuse: Controlling someone's money, restricting access to bank accounts, preventing them from working, or creating financial dependence.
Spiritual/Religious Abuse: Using religious beliefs to control, shame, manipulate, or prevent someone from practicing their faith.
Digital Abuse: Monitoring someone's phone, tracking their location, demanding passwords, or using technology to threaten or control them.
Stalking: Repeatedly following, monitoring, contacting, or surveilling someone in a way that causes fear or concern for their safety.
Coercive Control: A pattern of controlling behaviors that restrict someone's freedom, independence, and ability to make their own decisions.
💜 THE FACTS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income, education, or background. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 women and more than 1 in 6 men in the United States have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Abuse can also escalate over time, beginning with jealousy, controlling behavior, or isolation and progressing to threats or physical violence. Not every abusive relationship follows the same pattern, and abuse can occur without physical violence.
One of the most common questions survivors hear is, "Why don't you just leave?" But leaving is not always simple or safe. Survivors may fear retaliation, losing their children, becoming homeless, or not having the financial resources to support themselves. Some may have nowhere safe to go or worry that no one will believe them. Leaving is a personal decision, and every survivor deserves support without judgment or pressure.
💜 A MESSAGE FROM ME AS A LEGAL ADVOCATE & PREVENTION SPECIALIST AT SAFE-T CRISIS CENTER
As a Legal Advocate and Prevention Specialist, I have the privilege of standing beside survivors, helping them understand their rights, and educating our communities about domestic violence. I want every survivor to know that you are not alone; you do not deserve to be treated this way, and you deserve a life free from fear and control. Your voice matters, your safety matters, and there is always hope for a brighter future. 💜
💜 You deserve safety. You deserve respect. You deserve a life free from fear and control.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support, SAFE-T Crisis Center is here to help.


https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/ending-domestic-violence/understanding-domestic-violence

Chelsey Miears

Prevention Specialist / Legal Advocate

SAFE-T Crisis Center

A comprehensive guide breaks down the facets of domestic violence and abuse tactics.

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