In October of 1981 the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence held a “Day Of Unity” with the goal of connecting and uniting individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues and raising awareness for those issues. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week and in October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. What Is Domestic Violence? The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. This means that domestic violence encapsulates many different situations, such as:
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. This alarming statistic is one of the many that recently lead the U.S. Surgeon General to declare domestic violence to be one of the largest health concerns in the United States today. It’s also important to note that anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, and it impacts individuals of all socioeconomic and education levels. It is not dependent on race, age, sexual orientation religion, or gender. Both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships can experience domestic violence and it can occur in intimate partners who are married, living together, or simply dating. The Impact of Domestic Violence Domestic violence can have a lasting influence beyond the immediate victims of abuse and impact family members, coworkers, friends, and witnesses. Unfortunately, children are most likely to be affected by domestic violence. Growing up in households with frequent exposure to domestic violence increases emotional trauma and normalizes violence as a way of life. These types of childhood ‘lessons’ can create unhealthy coping skills for children and predispose them to become future victims and abusers themselves. When a person finds it difficult to deal with traumatic events, they often develop a sense of being alone and struggle with feelings of worry, fear, and helplessness. Trauma sufferers frequently have difficulty with relationships, emotional issues, and low self-esteem. Victims of emotional trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol to dull the feelings associated with the trauma and it’s not uncommon for them to develop an addiction as they attempt to mask their issues. What to do if You are a Victim of Domestic Violence If you are a victim of domestic violence it is important to seek help. Make sure to create a domestic violence safety plan and discuss it with those you trust. Remember, you have a right to be safe and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else. In a private, safe space, seek out the support of a friend, family member, neighbor, a co-worker, or anyone that you can rely on. You do not need to face abuse alone. How The Meadows Can Help During the month of October, The Meadows wants to continue bringing awareness to domestic violence and the power its victims have to heal and recover. For over 40 years, The Meadows treatment programs have been helping trauma victims heal and learn the skills necessary to cope with the devastating, and often hidden, effects of trauma. The Meadows can help you create a life of recovery, peace, and healing. We have helped over 45,000 clients to date, through workshops and inpatient treatment programs. To learn more about the trauma workshops and treatment programs at The Meadows, call us to speak confidentially at 866-332-0612. Content Source In Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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“Trauma leaves fingerprints on the victim. These don’t fade when the bruises do.”- Dr. Ellen Taliaferro Childhood trauma has a lasting effect on an individual’s life. The trauma which is either physical, sexual or emotional in nature, creates a devastating ripple effect on every aspect of the individual’s adult life. According to one study, more than 21,000 child abuse survivors, age 60 and older in Australia reported a greater rate of failed marriages and relationships. Research also states that childhood trauma, which ranges from parent’s divorce to alcohol and smoking addictions in the home, is the major cause of heart diseases, lung diseases, liver diseases, and mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, anger outbursts, and suicide in the later stages of an individual’s life. In addition, such trauma can trigger risky sexual behavior leading the individual to suffer from life threatening diseases thereby leading to “low life potential.” Even though some individuals seek treatment and therapy in their younger days to deal with the pain of childhood trauma, there is often lingering hurt. The painful memories can suddenly creep up on the individual. Survivors of trauma who are in the later stages of their life may experience a replay of the painful feelings and be extremely confused at its occurrence. Fewer distractions and reduced responsibilities of daily life may cause seniors’ to shift their focus on the traumatic issues of their past. The recurrence of nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms can be frightening and overwhelming. According to psychiatrist Judith Herman, “As the survivor struggles with the tasks of adult life, the legacy of their childhood becomes increasingly burdensome. Eventually, often in the fourth or fifth decade of life, the defensive structure may begin to break down. Often the precipitant is a change in the equilibrium of close relationships: The failure of a marriage, the illness or death of a parent. The facade can hold no longer, and the underlying fragmentation becomes manifest. When and if a breakdown occurs, it can take symptomatic forms that mimic virtually every form of psychiatric disorder. Survivors fear that they are going insane or will have to die “ At this point, there is often an urge to rely on the numbing agents of alcohol or substances to desensitize the recurring pain. Depression, suicidal thoughts, phobias, and low self-esteem can plague the elderly individual to an unusual extent that he/she has never felt before. Life at this point may seem hopeless and agonizing and the elderly individual may feel extremely desperate. A number of indicators may manifest in an individual who is struggling with a mental health issue such as trauma. If you notice any of the following conditions in a senior loved one, it is important that you encourage and help them seek immediate medical or mental health assistance. These include: Physical Conditions:
Emotional Conditions:
Healing from the Trauma Guilt, shame or repressed memories may hold seniors back from seeking help. They may also feel that they don’t need to disclose their suffering. Some seniors may have already sought help to deal with their past trauma and may feel uncomfortable seeking assistance for the same issues. Despite the reasoning, it’s never too late to address childhood trauma. Professional help can benefit seniors by facilitating acceptance and overcoming feelings of despair and hopelessness so they can live life to its fullest. The Meadows treatment center in Arizona has been helping individuals heal from childhood trauma for over 40 years. The caring, multi-disciplinary team at The Meadows understand the unique needs of seniors and the challenges they face. If you or a loved one is struggling with unresolved childhood trauma or co-occurring conditions like substance abuse or depression, please give us a call today at 866-331-3102. Content Source The Lasting Impact Of Childhood Trauma |
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