Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, and Substance Abuse

Domestic violence and substance abuse are often linked together. Many studies have shown that abusers in intimate partner violence (IPV) often engage in heavy alcohol or drug use before becoming violent. The abuser uses heavy drug or alcohol use to justify the abusive behavior. However, domestic abuse victims will also turn to illicit drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. Domestic abuse and violence victims, survivors and abusers may all need addiction treatment. It’s crucial that the substance abuse treatment involves special behavioral therapy and programs that look at the damages done by the domestic buse as well.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on the relationship between domestic abuse and substance abuse. Learn more about the types, causes and signs of domestic abuse, the relationship between domestic abuse and substance abuse and more. This guide helps both domestic violence victims, survivors and their loved ones.

A Quick Look at the Statistics

Domestic violence is so widespread and common that it’s a huge problem in America. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NIPSVS) provides us further insight into this issue. Here are some shocking statistics from data collected between 2010 and 2012:

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men were victims of physical violence, stalking or contact sexual violence by an intimate partner
• 8.5 million women were raped and 1.5 million men were forced to penetrate before they were 18 years of age
• 52% of women and 17% of men who experience intimate partner violence will exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Contact sexual violence includes rape, sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact and penetration. It’s evident this issue affects women more than it affects men. Violence against women happen frequently. This is why many support groups target women and domestic violence.

Types and Causes of Domestic Abuse

There are examples of domestic violence everywhere in America. It’s an issue that can affect anyone. In fact, the media often bombards us with high-profile domestic violence cases, like with Chris Brown, Johnny Depp and Emma Roberts. Both men and women can be domestic violence abusers, victims and survivors.

Domestic violence and abuse encompasses a whole range of patterns and behaviors. The perpetrator will often alternate between abusive, violent behavior and apologetic, loving behavior. The behaviors slowly escalate from verbal abuse to physical violence. After their violent outbursts, they will usually make heartfelt promises to change. Because the perpetrator is nice and loving some of the time, it can be difficult for the victim to leave the abusive relationship. They may feel that the abuser does indeed care about them. The cycles of violence and abuse never stops.

There are three different forms of domestic abuse. They include child abuse, partner abuse and elder abuse. Women and children are most often the targets. With that said, victims can be both men and women. The sexual orientation of the victim can vary. The abuse can occur in both heterosexual marriages and same-sex partnerships. It can happen among people of all age groups. Teen dating violence is a lot more common than you’d think.

The Different Types of Domestic Abuse

There are many different types of domestic abuse. The different types include:

• Economic abuse or financial abuse
• Physical abuse, which includes domestic violence
• Sexual abuse or sexual coercion
• Spiritual abuse
• Stalking or cyberstalking, also known as digital abuse
• Verbal or nonverbal abuse, which includes psychological abuse, mental abuse and emotional abuse

There’s a strong difference between the different types of abusive behaviors. Although there are different forms, the features of some of these forms are quite fluid. The different types of abuse may blend into one another.

The Causes of Domestic Abuse

There isn’t one single reason for why a person may engage in abusive behavior. There’s no justifiable reason at all. Many abusers, however, will use different reasons to defend their abusive behavior. Some of the ’causes’ or the reasons that they use include:

• Difficulty regulating anger and other emotions
• Former childhood abuse, as some abusers were victims of child abuse
• Jealousy
• Low self-esteem or feelings of inferiority
• Stress
• Use of drugs or alcohol

Abuse is a choice. Those who engage in abusive behavior are the ones responsible. Domestic abuse and violence is never acceptable. It’s never acceptable to engage in abusive behavior even if the person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Recognizing Signs of Domestic Abuse

There are many types and forms of abuse. The one that we’ll focus on in this section is abuse in intimate relationships. Many abusive relationships start off amazing. The abusive partners may, initially, seem perfect in the early stages of the relationship. The possessive and violent behaviors slowly start to emerge and intensify as the relationship grows.

There are many different types of abuse in a relationship. There’s physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse and more. In each type of abuse, the abusive partners try to have more power and control over their partners. Let’s take a look at the signs of each type of abusive behavior.

Physical Abuse

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 24 people each minute are victims of physical violence, stalking or even rape by an intimate partner in the United States. Let that sink in. That’s a person every 2 to 3 seconds. More women than men are victims of domestic violence in the United States. Some warning signs of physical abuse include:

• Harming the children, or child abuse
• Any type of physical violence, like pulling hair, slapping, kicking, biting or choking
• Using weapons to hurt a person
• Preventing the victims from calling the police or seeking medical help
• Forcing the victims to use drugs or alcohol
• Leaving the victims in unfamiliar places with nothing at all
• Driving recklessly or dangerous when the victims are in the car
• Forbidding and preventing the victims from eating or sleeping

There are many different examples of physical abuse. In general, the intimate partners feel unsafe in the environment. They may even come in harm’s way.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is common in all types of relationships. It’s a common form of abuse among intimate relationships, relationships between children and parents and relationships between elders and their caretakers. Studies show that more and more men are becoming victims of emotional abuse. With that said, there are still a lot of women struggling with emotionally abusive relationships. Some warning signs of emotionally abusive relationships include:

• Calling the victim names in hopes of criticizing and demeaning them
• Monitoring the victim by keeping track of where they go or who they spend time with
• Refusing to be trusting due to possessiveness or jealousy
• Attempting to isolate the victim from family and friends
• Threatening to hurt the victim
• Punishing the individual by withholding affection
• Demanding to know where the individual is every minute of the day
• Damaging the victim’s properties when angry, like throwing objects, punching walls and kicking doors
• Gaslighting the individual
• Cheating on intimate partners and then blaming them for the behavior
• Attempting to control the victim’s appearance, like what they wear and how much makeup they put on
• Humiliating the individual
• Blaming the victim for the abuse
• Cheating to ignite jealousy, to hurt the victim or to prove that they are more desirable

Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It can completely ruin a person’s self-esteem. It’s important to note that emotional abuse can extend to child abuse and elder abuse as well.

Sexual Abuse and Coercion

An American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds. Every 8 minutes, the victim of the sexual assault is a child. With so many sexually abused victims, it’s shocking to find out that only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will go to jail for sexual violence. Common warning signs of a sexually abusive relationship include:

• Forcing or manipulating the victim into having sex or performing sexual acts
• Forcing the individual to dress in a sexual manner
• Demanding sex even if the victim is hurt, tired or sick
• Involving other people in sexual activities with the victim again his or her will
• Purposely trying to pass off a sexually transmitted disease to the victim

Ignoring the individual’s feelings about sex, hurting them during sex or forcing them to watch pornography can also qualify as sexual abuse. This is a huge problem, and affects women more than it affects men. Sexual violence is much more common than you’d think

Sexual coercion is similar to sexual abuse. It’s in the same ‘continuum’ of sexually aggressive behavior. It can involve emotional or verbal abuse to make the victim feel guilt, shame or pressure. An abusive partner may make the other partner feel like thy owe them sex or react negatively if they are refused sex or sexual acts. Trying to pressure the victim even after they have refused is also another way of exerting coercive control.

Financial Abuse

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), up to 99% of domestic abuse victims experience financial abuse as well. Controlling the finances is a way of controlling the relationship. Finances is a huge barrier that prevents many people in abusive relationships from leaving. Common warning signs of financial abuse include:

• Placing the partner’s paycheck in their bank account and denying them access to it
• Giving the partner an allowance and watching their spendings closely
• Preventing the partner from working or limiting the amount of hours that they can work
• Stealing money from the individual
• Maxing out credit cards in the victim’s name without their permission and ruining their credit
• Using funds in the children’s savings account for their own personal needs
• Refusing to contribute to the household and paying for any of the expenses
• Preventing the victim from accessing any other existing funds
• Sabotaging the victim’s employment

Anywhere from 21% to 60% of victims of intimate partner violence lost their jobs from abuse. According to a survey by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence, 64% of victims reported that the abuse hindered their ability to work. 40% of victims and survivors reported harassment at work.

Digital Abuse

In the current day and age, technology is a huge part of most people’s lives. As a result, a new form of abuse has emerged. It’s known as digital abuse. Digital abuse is the use of technologies to bully, stalk, harass or intimate a partner. Common signs of digital abuse include:

• Telling who the victim can and cannot be friends with on social media sites
• Sending negative, insulting and even threatening messages through social media
• Using social media to keep tabs on the victim
• Stealing or insisting on having the passwords of the victim’s social media sites and other accounts
• Going through the victim’s phone and social media accounts
• Using spyware or GPS to track and monitor the victim

Digital abuse is also a form of emotional abuse. This type of partner abuse can be just as taxing on one’s mental health as other forms of abuse.

How to Tell If Someone Is a Victim of Domestic Violence

It can be difficult to determine whether someone is a victim of domestic abuse or violence. Most victims will try to hide the abuse as much as possible. They may deny it or they may even try to convince themselves that what they’re experiencing isn’t abuse. Here are some signs that can tell you if a person is a victim of domestic abuse or violence. The victim will:

• Act nervous, uneasy or even scared when his or her partner is brought up
• Blame himself or herself for the actions of his or her partner
• Describe their partner as either a jealous or possessive person
• Get harassing calls or texts frequently from their partner when he or she is with you
• Have low self-esteem or other mental health issues
• Lie about what happened between his or her partner
• Miss work, social obligations or even school for seemingly no reason at all
• Struggle with depression or anxiety
• Tell stories about how he or she got injured
• Try to constantly please his or her partner
• Try to make excuses for his or her partner’s behavior
• Wear long sleeves even when he or she is in a warm place

It’s not easy for a victim of domestic violence to admit what they’ve experienced. Many victims will choose to stay in an abusive relationship. They may do so because they’re afraid of their own safety, or because they care about their abusive.

If you suspect that someone you care about is a victim of domestic abuse or violence, it can take some time for them to open up to you. It’s important that you stay patient throughout this entire experience.

The Connection Between Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), substance use was found in 40% to 60% of intimate partner violences (IPV). Substance abuse may facilitate a role in IPV. When under the influence, the perpetrator is more likely to engage in risky and violent behavior. It’s also easier for situations to escalate into violence. The same studies show that substance abuse treatment can help reduce violent tendencies.

Out of all of the different types of abuse, spousal abuse is most common with addiction. With that said, elder abuse and child abuse may happen as well. Some perpetrators are more likely to hit their children after having a drink or two. Some lash out due to the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms when coming off of certain substances.

Although scientists don’t have a definitive number on the amount of IPV incidences that involve alcohol or drugs, they do know that physical violence is 11 times more likely to happen on days of heavy drinking or alcohol use. There’s a lot of debate on whether heavy drinking and drug use actually exacerbate physical violence or whether it’s used as an excuse.

Another interesting note is that victims of IPV are more likely abuse tobacco and marijuana. They are also more likely to binge drink. Domestic violence victims are also more likely to suffer from a serious mental health problem. In fact, 56% of female domestic violence victims get diagnosed with a psychiatric problem. In short, domestic violence victims and the perpetrators are equally as likely to need addiction treatment or a dual diagnosis treatment.

Drugs that Are Involved in Domestic Violence

Illicit drug and alcohol use commonly precede domestic violence. Physical violence is 11 times more likely to happen on days where abusers use heavy drugs or alcohol.

Alcohol is one of the most common substances abused before intimate partner violence. More than 20% of male perpetrators use alcohol or illicit drugs before committing serious and severe acts of violence. Different men abuse different types of alcoholic beverages. Some men prefer drinking beer while others prefer drinking hard liquor. Alcoholism may also come hand in hand with mental health disorders, like bipolar disorders and eating disorders.

As far as illicit drugs go, many different types of illicit drugs also precede domestic violence. Studies have found that 35% of methamphetamine users between the ages of 18 and 25 were more likely to commit violence while under the influence of drugs. 67% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence in Memphis used both cocaine and alcohol.

Both stimulants and depressants appear to induce aggressive and violent behavior. Studies all over the world agree that illicit drug use induce aggressive behavior. Some people argue that it’s the drugs that change one’s behavior and mental state. Other people argue that the drugs are merely used as an excuse. There’s still quite a lot of research being done in this area.

Are You a Victim of Domestic Violence? What Do You Need to Know?

If you are the victim of domestic abuse or violence, you need to know that there’s always a way out. It’s imperative that you realize that staying with the abuser is a very dangerous choice. If you have children, you are putting your children at risk as well. You also need to realize that there are plenty of different types of support groups out there that can help. You don’t have to go at it alone. Don’t hesitate to rely on others during these difficult times.

Keep your eyes towards the future. Things will get better. You will eventually heal from this unhealthy relationship. All it takes is time.

How to Get Out of an Abusive Relationship

The best thing that you can do for yourself is to come up with a plan for leaving the abusive relationship. It won’t be easy, but it’s definitely feasible. Every day, more than 20,000 abuse victims reach out for help. They’re looking to break the cycles of violence in their life for a healthy relationship. Follow the four steps listed below.

Acknowledge the Abusive Behavior

Many victims will often deny the fact that they’re in an abusive relationship. They don’t want to believe that they’re a victim of domestic violence or abuse. Some victims will even make excuses for their abuser’s behavior. Others will blame themselves.

One of the first steps towards recovery is understanding that it’s not your fault. No one deserves to be a victim of domestic abuse regardless of the situation. There’s no justifiable reason for the abuse at all. The abuser is the one in the wrong, and it’s imperative that you get out of the relationship. It’s important for the victim to believe that they deserve better.

Create a Safety Plan

Before taking any action, do some planning. Safety planning is a crucial part of getting help. When planning your escape, consider:

• How you can dodge triggers during daily life. It’s best to avoid any violent triggers or outbursts. You may feel like you’re walking on eggshells for a while. There are many things that can constitute as a trigger. Some triggers include words, behaviors, clothing, appearances and even actions.
• Safety-proof your home. Hide any weapons that may be used against you. This may include knives or heavy household items. Dispose of any solid items on shelves or exposed glass. The goal is to create a safe environment at home.
• Come up with code words. If your family or friends know about the abuse, it may be time to come up with a code word. This could be a phrase or a single word. For example, you might say, “I loved that book” as a code for “call the police.”
• Identify which areas are safe. Find a room or a place that is safe. Stay away from stairs and rooms that are filled with potential weapons, like the kitchen.
• Come up with an escape plan. Consider whether you’ll stay at a shelter or a friend’s house. If you need substance abuse treatment, consider whether you’ll get admitted to a drug or alcohol rehab facility.

If you’re not sure what to include in your safety plan, take a look at the resources available for more information.

Reach Out for Help

Getting out of an abusive situation is never easy. You will probably need help from others. You can reach out for help by calling one of the many domestic violence hotlines available. Shelters and other support groups can provide the resources and information needed as well. Speak with highly-trained advocates for more information.

When reaching out for help, make sure that you are not being monitored. This will only escalate the situation. Try to use a public phone or a friend’s phone instead. Also consider using a public computer or a computer elsewhere. Be careful with who you disclose the abuse to. Make sure that it’s someone you trust. If you’re concerned about your work, know that domestic abuse leave is covered under federal FMLA.

Get a Restraining Order Against the Abuser

Once you’re safe, look at whether a restraining order is necessary. This way, you can make sure that your abuser can never come close to you again. If he or she does, you can always call law enforcement and take legal action.

Concerned Citizen: How to Help a Domestic Violence Victim

If you suspect or know that someone is a domestic abuse victim, figuring out what to do next can be difficult. The best thing you can do is to listen to the victims of domestic violence. Show compassion and love. Don’t judge them for any reason whatsoever. You don’t have to fully understand their situation to help. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen to them and give them the courage to break the cycle of abuse. Help him or her find ways to become stronger or to leave an unsafe situation to be in a safe one.

Before starting a conversation, make sure that you put enough time aside. In the event that the victims of domestic violence do open up and share their experiences and frustrations, you want to be able to give them your undivided attention. Be there for them. Show them that there are other people out there that care about them, and that they are not alone.

You can start the conversation by saying that you’ve noticed some changes that concern you. Maybe, it’s because the individual has become unusually withdrawn and quiet. Or, it could be because you’ve noticed signs of physical violence. They may have bruises that they’re trying to cover up.

Let the individual know that you’re not trying to force them to open up. Let them know that you’re available to offer a sympathetic ear whenever he or she needs it. Also, be sure to guarantee them that you will not share any information that they disclose with you. It’s also important to let them know that you’ll be respectful of their decisions. Here are several tips on what you can do to help domestic abuse victims as a concerned citizen and as a friend.

#1. Believe the Domestic Violence Victims

It takes a lot of courage for someone to open up. Domestic violence victims are much more likely to downplay the abuse than to exaggerate it. In many situations, the victims are the only ones that see the darker side of the perpetrator. As a result, they often feel like no one would believe them even if they told them. Believe the domestic abuse victims when they open up. You can offer them assurances by saying things like, “I believe you” and “You don’t deserve this.”

Take the abuse seriously, whether it’s emotional abuse, physical abuse or even sexual abuse. Don’t underestimate the amount of danger that the victims may be in.

#2. Help the Victims Recognize the Abuse and Validate their Feelings

Many victims don’t feel as if their feelings are valid. They can have many conflicting feelings at the same time. Validate their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to feel as if they both love and fear their partner. However, it’s important to confirm that violence and abuse is never okay. It should never be accepted. It’s important to bring home the idea that it is not their fault. Help the victims recognize that they are in an abusive and unhealthy relationship.

Help the domestic violence victims recognize the amount of danger that they are in and that they need to get help. It’s vital that the victims are able to see a way out of the relationship. It’s also important that they know that there are a lot of resources out there for them. The key is to open up their minds to new possibilities out of violent or abusive relationships.

#3: Help the Victims Build Confidence

Many victims have low self-esteem. They no longer believe in themselves. This could be from emotional abuse or it could be from fear of physical abuse or sexual abuse. Help the victims of domestic violence and abuse believe in themselves again. Tell them that their brave and let them know that they are capable and awesome. They don’t have to, and shouldn’t, stay in abusive or violent relationships.

This is a crucial part in helping victims get out of abusive relationships. Often times, they don’t think that they can do better or that they’ll succeed in leaving. As a result, they’ll stay in the abusive relationships.

#4: Come Up with a Safety Plan

Safety planning with the victims is also important. Talk to them about the different ways that they can protect themselves. Pass on any resources that you may come across and also provide them with legal information on how they can protect themselves. Those who are afraid of their perpetrators can take out a restraining order. This means that the perpetrators cannot legally come within some distance of them.

It’s important to note that leaving has its dangers as well. In intimate relationships, up to 75% of abused women who leave are murdered after they leave their partner.  The percent of women killed after they leave is a huge cause for concern. When the perpetrators feels as if they no longer has any control in the relationship, they will lash out. It’s important for the victims of domestic abuse and violence to come up with a personalized safety plan. The victims should consider where they would go and what they should do. They should weigh the pros and cons of various options.

#5: Offer Specific and Practical Help

Help support the victims. Look up the telephone numbers of attorneys, counselors and shelters. There are many women’s shelters out there that offer help to women with abusive partners. Consider finding them a support group. Offer support during these tough times. For example, you can even offer to mind the children for them. Some abused partners simply need some ‘alone time’ to work things out in their head. You may even offer to cook a meal for them or offer them a safe place to stay.

If the victims ask for anything specific and you can and are willing to do it, don’t hesitate to help. Let them know that you are there for them and available at any time.

#6: Maintain Regular Contact

Having someone to talk to can make a world of a difference. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, it takes a women an average of 7 times of leaving before they are able to leave for good. By maintaining regular contact, you’ll be able to help the victims of domestic violence and abuse work up the courage to leave. You’ll help them see the light at the end of the tunnel.

If the victims have left the relationship, stay in contact. Offer them support even after they have left. Often times, this is when they’ll need it the most. Like an addict, it’s not unusual for victims to want to return to the perpetrators. They may convince themselves that the perpetrators will change or that they actually love them.

#7: Call the Police

If at any moment or time you see violence and physical abuse occurring, call 9-1-1. The police are the most effective means of removing the abused partner and children from physically abusive relationships. Physical violence is never okay. If you witness child abuse or children left in violent situations, call child protective services immediately. They deserve to be in safe and healthy relationships. Contact law enforcement for help.

What Not to Do When Approaching a Domestic Violence Victim

When talking to an abuse victim, it’s vital that you be sensitive about what you say. Some actions may stop him or her from wanting to confide in you in the future again. Here are some things that experts and victims of abuse have said didn’t help:

• Don’t blame the victim for the abuse. Domestic violence or abuse is never the victim’s fault. Don’t say things like, ‘why do you put up with it?’ or ‘how can you still stay with him or her?’ These questions may make a victim feel attacked.
• Don’t be critical. It can take a long time for a victim of abuse to leave his or her abuser. Many victims will say they still love their partner. Others may not want to leave. Don’t be critical of whatever decision the victims make. Try to be as supportive as possible.
• Don’t criticize the abusive partner. Criticizing the abusive behavior is fine. The victim should know and fully understand that no one has the right to abuse them. With that said, it’s generally best to avoid criticizing the abuser. This may make the victim want to defend him or her.
• Don’t give any advice. This may undermine the victim and make him or her feel less confident. Instead, try to give him or her information and facts.
• Don’t pressure the victim to leave or try to make a decision on his or her behalf. Let the victim make his or her own decision. He or she knows the situation best. Instead, focus on listening and supporting the victim during this difficult time.

Those who are offering support to victims may also need support themselves. After all, the entire process can be very taxing on one’s mental health. Make sure to look after yourself and get help when needed.

Getting Treatment that Addresses Both Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

Domestic violence victims, abusers and survivors who struggle with substance abuse need specialized addiction treatment. The treatment program they choose should be sensitive to the individual’s needs. It’s vital that the patient receives behavioral therapy that addresses the underlying cause of the abuse. The behavioral therapy should also look at treating any damages sustained from the domestic abuse. This may include working on one’s self esteem or learning how to develop better coping strategies to deal with what happened.

Some domestic violence victims and survivors struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these situations, the individual may need therapy or counseling that can help them deal with the trauma. A popular behavioral therapy used to treat trauma is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

If the patient is the abuser, he or she requires therapy that looks at why they engaged in such behavior. It’s time for him or her to change.

The substance abuse treatment will also involve medical detoxification. Medical detox can help a person wean off of alcohol and drugs. The medications will ease withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Treatment Program

Domestic abuse victims are often in a bad situation. If they’re dealing with a substance use disorder at the same time, they should highly consider an inpatient treatment program. This is also known as a residential treatment program. The addiction recovery center offers a safe and peaceful environment for recovery. The victim gets to live in a place that’s far away from the abusive partner. This gives them an opportunity to not only get sober, but also to think about the relationship.

The residential treatment programs often span anywhere from 28 to 90 days. This gives the patients ample opportunity to retrain their brain. The rehab facility offers educational programs that teach the patients how to live independently. The classes teach various independent living skills. Some of these skills include learning how to get their finances back in order, learning how to live by themselves and more.

More Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse

Fortunately, many people are aware of this issue. There are plenty of resources and support groups available. These resources help domestic violence victims understand their situation and come up with a safety plan for escaping. Many victims have poor mental health, and will second guess themselves. They may feel like they can’t open up or confide in those around them. These hotlines and chat services are anonymous. The highly-trained advocates will point victims towards the right resources. They’ll also help them get out of an abusive relationship. The specialists educate victims on what a healthy relationship includes. They build up the victim’s confidence and self-esteem, and help them understand that it’s not their fault.

If you are looking for resources for yourself or for a loved one, take a look at some of the options below. There are many more associations and domestic violence hotlines out there that offer support to domestic violence survivors and victims.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24-hour support to domestic violence victims. Callers receive crisis intervention information and referral services in over 170 languages. Their mission is to shift the power back to the victims in abusive relationships. They envision a world with healthy relationships and work hard towards making that a reality. This is one of the most popular hotlines in America.

Loveisrespect

Launched in February 2007, Loveisrespect is the first 24-hour hotline dedicated to helping teens who experience dating violence and abuse. This is one of the largest domestic violence hotlines. Highly-trained advocates offer information, resources and support to not only domestic violence victims, but also concerned friends, family members and more. The conversations are kept confidential. In addition to phone services, Loveisrespect also offers chat and texting services. Their mission is to empower young people and to prevent and end abusive relationships, especially teen violence.

Chat at www.loveisrespect.org

Text loveis to 22522*

Call 1.866.331.9474

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADC)

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADC) is an outlet for both victims and domestic violence survivors. Both victims and survivors come together to change public policy. The organizations tries to increase public understanding of the impact of domestic violence. They provide programs that drive change. They seek macro-level changes to create a society where domestic violence is never tolerated.

Safe Horizon

Safe Horizon is one of the largest victim services non-profit organization in America. It provides social services for victims of abuse and violent crimes. Every year, this organization caters to over 250,000 victims of violent crime. The offer programs to victims of child abuse, human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault. Homeless youth can also find support programs through this organization.

Battered Women’s Justice Project

Battered Women’s Justice Project (BWJP) is a national resource center for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). BWJP manages the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith and Credit. It also partners with the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women. They offer help to IPV victims who are charged with crimes. They also offer many education programs and have many outreach programs.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) offers plenty of professional resources that involve child abuse and neglect. The organization also offers resources for domestic violence, family law, juvenile justice, substance abuse, mental health and more. The resources include publications, cutting-edge research and training. This organization is great for professionals looking to make a difference.

Break the Cycle

Founded in 1996, Break the Cycle is an organization dedicating to help prevent teen dating violence. This organization supports youths that are between the ages of 12 and 24. They teach them how to build healthy relationships regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation. This organization has staff all across the nation.

Get Help for Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and domestic violence and abuse are often linked. It’s a cause and effect type of situation. If you’re struggling with both, it’s vital that you get help from a specialized addiction treatment center. The addiction specialists at Amethyst Recovery can cater to various needs. We offer therapy and counseling that can improve your mental health and medical detox to help you wean off of various substances. We can also connect you to the right resources and support groups.

If you’re interested in getting sober and leading a healthier lifestyle, contact us for more information. You can even take a tour of our drug and alcohol rehab facility. We will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. We’ll also look at what your insurance policy covers and take care of all of the paperwork for you. We make getting sober and out of a dangerous situation as easy as possible.