nycdomesticviolence.org

Unmasking the Silent Impact:

Domestic Violence during the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for many, it can be a period of heightened vulnerability, especially for those affected by domestic violence. The impact of domestic violence during the holidays is profound; casting a dark shadow over what should be a time of warmth and connection.

Increased Stress and Tension:

The pressure to create a perfect holiday experience can exacerbate existing stressors in relationships. Financial strain, family expectations, and societal pressures can contribute to an environment ripe for domestic violence.

Isolation Intensified:

While the holidays are often synonymous with family gatherings, survivors of domestic violence may find themselves increasingly isolated. Abusers may exploit the festive season to further control and manipulate, cutting off survivors from their support networks.

Heightened Emotional Turmoil:

The stark contrast between societal expectations of joy and the reality of abuse can intensify emotional turmoil for survivors. The dissonance between the public facade of happiness and the private pain of abuse can be particularly isolating.

Escaping Becomes More Difficult:

Finding an opportunity to escape an abusive relationship can become even more challenging during the holidays. Fear of disrupting festivities or concerns about the impact on children may deter survivors from seeking help.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to support organizations dedicated to combating domestic violence. [Nycdv is on a mission to provide a lifeline to those trapped in abusive situations.

By supporting our cause, you contribute to:

Emergency Shelter and Support:

Your donation helps us maintain safe havens for survivors, offering them refuge during this critical time.

Crisis Intervention:

Trained professionals are available around the clock to provide immediate support and guidance to those in need.

Empowerment Programs:

Through educational initiatives, survivors are equipped with the tools to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of abuse.

This holiday season, let us come together to create a safer and more compassionate world. Your support is not just a donation; it's a lifeline for someone seeking escape from the darkness of domestic violence. Every contribution brings us one step closer to a future free from the shackles of abuse.

Donate today and be the light that helps survivors find their way out of the shadows. Together, we can make the holidays a time of hope and healing for all.

We understand that giving is a personal decision and we are honored that you are considering making a gift to Nyc domestic violence. The money donated will be used to support and enhance the development and implementation of various programs and workshops.

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Welcome to Nyc Domestic Violence

At Nyc Domestic Violence we stand united against the devastating impact of domestic violence, working tirelessly to create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered. Founded on the principles of compassion, education, and action, we are a global community committed to breaking the cycle of abuse and fostering healthy relationships.

Our Mission:

We are on a mission to end domestic violence worldwide. Through awareness, education, support, and advocacy, we strive to create a society where no one lives in fear within their own homes. We believe in the power of unity and understanding, working hand-in-hand with individuals, communities, and institutions to eradicate domestic violence in all its forms.

What We Do:

Raising Awareness: We raise public awareness about the signs of domestic violence, its root causes, and the resources available for survivors. By challenging stereotypes and myths, we promote a culture of empathy and understanding.

Educational Initiatives: We provide comprehensive education and training programs, equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, prevent, and respond to domestic violence. Education is the key to breaking down barriers and promoting healthy relationships.

Supportive Communities: We create safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences, find solace, and rebuild their lives. Our support networks offer emotional support, counseling, legal assistance, and resources to help survivors on their journey toward healing and independence.

Advocacy and Policy Change: We advocate for stronger laws, policies, and social norms that protect victims of domestic violence and hold perpetrators accountable. By working with legislators and policymakers, we strive to create a legal framework that ensures justice for survivors and promotes a violence-free society.

Get Involved:

Join us in our fight against domestic violence. Whether you're an individual, a business, or an organization, there are countless ways to make a difference. Volunteer your time, donate to our cause, or participate in our awareness campaigns. Together, we can create a world where love and respect triumph over fear and violence.

At Nyc Domestic Violence, we believe in the inherent dignity of every individual. Together, we can build a future where homes are havens of safety, compassion, and love. Join us in this important journey toward a violence-free world.

Together, we can end domestic violence.

NYC Domestic Violence Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose main objective is to provide information and resources to victims of intimate partner abuse and their children, we are committed to the belief that safety from violence and freedom from fear are universal rights.

NYC Domestic Violence INC. challenge the negative myths surrounding domestic violence. We also reach out to abused women and children, breaking their isolation and helping them to access life-saving support – as well as raising public awareness of domestic violence against women’s and girls.

We are here to heal, educate, and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues. While we understand that our vision may not be achievable in our lifetimes, we firmly believe that violence and abuse is preventable.

Founded in May 2015 as a grassroots organization NYC Domestic Violence INC. challenges social attitudes towards women and champions gender equality in its work to prevent violence in the future.

We believe that changing attitudes is not just about talk without action,and we believe it is the only way we will end domestic violence. We see our prevention work as a service in its own right.

Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence.

When you're ready with confidential support 24/7/365

800-799-7233

SMS: Text START to 88788

Domestic Violence hotline…

https://www.thehotline.org

WOMEN FIGHT BACK

Upholding women's rights since 2015

what we fight for

ending

violence

We raise awareness and improve prevention strategies.

Economic Empowerment

We fight for women to exercise their economic rights.

safety and peace

We fight against discrimination and other injustices.

How Our Nonprofit is Fighting Domestic Violence across the Nation.

Domestic violence is a severe and widespread problem that affects millions of people in the United States, regardless of race, age, gender, sexuality, religion, or economic status. It is defined as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship; domestic violence involves far more than just physical abuse. It can also include emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and digital abuse.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and intimate partner stalking; since the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation, and economic stress have created more opportunities for abusers to exert control and harm their victims.

That is why our nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and education for survivors of domestic violence and their loved ones. We collaborate with other domestic violence nonprofits across the country to share best practices, resources, and strategies to end the cycle of abuse.

Our mission is to empower survivors to reclaim their lives and heal from the trauma of domestic violence. We also aim to raise awareness and mobilize the public to join us in our fight against this pervasive and devastating issue. We can create a safer, healthier, and more equitable society for everyone.

About Us

We are a faith based nonprofit organization.

Recognizing the fundamental rights of all, we empower individuals and families to make real and lasting change in their lives and their communities. We are embarking on a new initiative called Make A Change" We know the power of believing there is a creator who guides us each day and show us his mercy, Making A Change is about living and doing what our creator gave us the ability to do, always keeping in mind the tenants of faith...

The Mission:

We will always Act with honor and integrity, offering our information and resources for free. Treat those we serve with dignity and respect. Help meet the needs of the individuals and family’s we serve. Demonstrate quality and excellence in every aspect of our day to day community work.

The Vision:

Is living in a world in which every person regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, enjoys living with-out violence or abuse. We are NYC Domestic violence (nycdv) We are advocates for all victims of violence and their families.

Domestic Violence: A National Crisis That Requires Action

Domestic violence is a widespread crisis affecting millions of families across the United States each year. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually. The devastating impact of domestic abuse transcends geographic, socioeconomic, racial, and cultural boundaries. This is an issue plaguing communities nationwide.

As a service provider for domestic violence survivors, we witness the trauma and disruption domestic abuse causes. Our emergency shelters offer refuge for those escaping volatile home situations. We have counselors who help survivors navigate complex legal processes and custody disputes. Our job training programs empower survivors to regain financial independence.

However, our nation must do more to prevent domestic violence and protect those at risk. There is a lack of affordable long-term housing options for survivors starting over after leaving abuse. Law enforcement requires comprehensive training to better respond to domestic disturbance calls. Implementing domestic violence education programs in schools would help break intergenerational cycles of abuse. And increased funding is needed for prevention initiatives targeting high-risk communities.

Domestic abuse thrives in the shadows. By shedding more light on this issue nationally, we can make meaningful progress. With proper resources and education, domestic violence can be eliminated from communities across our country. But it will require action from federal, state, and local leaders. Eradicating domestic abuse must become a national priority.

We are committed to being part of the solution by providing critical services to survivors. But our lawmakers must step up and make stopping domestic violence a top concern. Working together, we can build safer homes and neighborhoods nationwide. Domestic abuse has no place in our communities. The time to take action is now.

Introduction to DV

Violence in relationships is an issue that affects millions of people in the world. It occurs in all communities and to people of all races, religions, genders, and ages. It is important to be educated on what constitutes relationship violence, the problems associated with it, and how it can be stopped. This course will help both abusers and the abused to gain a better understanding of relationships or domestic violence, and learn how to take action against it.

What is Relationship/Domestic Violence?

In this article, we will use the terms “relationship violence,” and “domestic violence” interchangeably. They both mean the same thing in this course. Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of abusive, controlling, or coercive behavior used by one partner to exert power or control over another in an intimate relationship.

The term “intimate relationship” refers not only to dating partnerships and marriage, but also to relationships with either biological or non-biological parents, children, siblings, and extended family members. When you hear the term “domestic violence,” physical violence is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

However, domestic violence can also be sexual, emotional, psychological, or economic. Domestic violence includes behaviors that hurt, injure, intimidate, control, threaten, manipulate, isolate, or humiliate another person. Here are some common signs and behaviors of the different types of abuse:

Physical Abuse:

Pushing
Hitting
Slapping
Kicking
Biting
Strangling/choking
Burning
Inappropriate physical restraint
Using weapons to threaten or injure
Damaging property (throwing objects, punching walls, etc.)
Forcing drug/alcohol use
Depriving a partner of basic needs (food, shelter, clothing, appropriate medical treatment

Emotional Abuse:

Continuous insults and criticism
Public humiliation
Punishing by withholding affection
Attacking a partner’s self-esteem and self-worth
Not allowing a partner to make his or her own decisions
Monitoring what a partner is doing and who he or she is spending time with
Wrongfully blaming a partner
Continually accusing a partner of cheating

Economic Abuse:

Forbidding a partner to work
Withholding a partner’s access to his or her personal or shared monies
Controlling all finances, both individual and shared
Taking a partner’s money, either by using physical force or other manipulative means
Demanding access to a partner’s money or benefit

Sexual Abuse:

Engaging in non-consensual sexual acts using physical force
Manipulating or using coercion to force sexual activity
Demanding sex when a partner is sick, injured, tired, or simply does not want to
Calling a partner hurtful sexual names
Humiliating a partner with sexual jokes
Forcing a partner to perform degrading sexual acts
Marital rape
Forced prostitution
Denying or sabotaging birth control methods
Preventing or forcing an abortion

Psychological Abuse:

Threatening physical harm to oneself, partner, children, family, or friends
Isolating a partner from their friends and family
Forbidding a partner to attend school or work
Causing fear through intimidation
Manipulation and lying
Stalking or cyber-stalking
Using blackmail
Blaming the victim for the abuse

Everyone’s experience with relationship violence is different. Although abusive behavior can often leave noticeable physical effects, other times, it may not leave a trace. It can happen frequently, or only once. However, inflicting or experiencing any of these abusive behaviors can constitute an abusive relationship.

Abusive relationships all have one common feature: the abuser takes action to gain and maintain power and control over another. One reason an abuser aims to gain power and control is to fulfill his or her own emotional and/or physical needs. It is a normal inclination to want one’s needs met, but abusers go about meeting their needs in a selfish and inherently harmful manner.

Often abusers are afraid that their needs will not be met without using force or coercion, which motivates them to continue their abusive behavior. Gaining control and power over another is usually achieved through tactics such as intimidation, isolation, humiliation, and threats. These actions are reinforced when the victim complies, even momentarily, and the abuser begins engaging in a pattern of abusive behaviors to remain in power. With this power, the abuser can control an individual and either force or coerce him or her into abiding by the abuser’s wishes.

How Do You Know if You Are In an Abusive Relationship?

Most people do not enter into a relationship thinking that it will become abusive. In fact, in the beginning, the relationship may seem great, and that’s because most relationships aren’t abusive from the start. Most relationships take time to reach an abusive level of dysfunction.

Abusive behavior may originally occur in isolated incidents. The abuser may blame incidences on external factors, such as a bad day at work or increased levels of stress, or even on the victim. He/she may apologize or promise to never do it again. Another common reaction is for the abuser to downplay the event, tell the victim that he or she is overreacting, or deny the event altogether. These behaviors can increase in frequency and intensity over time

If you are wondering whether or not your partner is abusive, consider asking yourself these questions:

Does your partner blame his or her anger on external factors such as drugs, alcohol, stress, or past experiences?
If you think you may be the abuser in your relationship, consider asking yourself these questions:
Do you often feel as though you cannot control your anger?
Do you feel the need to constantly know where your partner is, and whom they are with?
Do you ever unfairly lash out at a loved one?
Have you ever coerced or forced your partner to engage in sexual activity when he or she didn’t want to?
Do you feel like you always have to have your way?
Do you become very jealous when a partner is spending time with someone else?
Have you ever hurt or threatened to hurt your partner

Do you ever feel afraid of your partner?
Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells to avoid making your partner angry?
Does your partner respect when you say “no” to sexual activity the first time, or do they continue to ask?
Does your partner ever coerce you into engaging in sexual activities that you don’t want to participate in?
Does your partner monitor where you are, and/or what you’re doing at all times?
Does your partner get jealous when you spend time with friends and family?
Has your partner ever hurt you or threatened to hurt you?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, your relationship may be abusive. In later lessons, we will discuss what to do if you feel that you are in an abusive relationship and how to find help. Will we also discuss what to do if you feel that you may be the abuser in your relationship, and how to change these behaviors?