Domestic and Sexual Violence

Understanding DV and SV, Plus Ways to Provide Support

According to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, “at the start of a new relationship, it’s not always easy to tell if it will later become abusive. In fact, many abusive people appear like ideal partners in the early stages of a relationship. Domestic and sexual violence warning signs don’t always appear overnight and may emerge and intensify as the relationship grows.

Every relationship is different and intimate partner violence doesn’t always look the same. One feature shared by most abusive relationships is that the abusive partner tries to establish or gain power and control through many different methods, at different moments.”

We encourage you to explore Peace River Center Victim Services resources to learn more about the dynamics of sexual and domestic violence and ways you can keep yourself and friends safe.

What does a DV or SV relationship look like?

No two situations look the same, but many have similar characteristics.

Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

There are some warning signs to look out for that may indicate something is wrong.

Individuals involved in an unhealthy relationship may exhibit a withdrawal from daily activities, in conjunction with unexplained injuries.

When should you say something?

Be sure to approach the subject when you and the suspected victim are alone. Do not, under any circumstances, bring it up in the presence of the suspected abuser.

Individuals who are abused—as well as individuals who are abusers—are represented by all races, ages, genders, economic classes, and sexual orientations.

They may make excuses for not participating in family events, and most of all you may notice extreme personality changes (such as a sudden need to always take the blame or frequent apologies).

This could be dangerous because the abuser could lash out at you or the victim. Be discrete when you speak to someone you suspect is a victim.

woman crying in bed

The signs for sexual violence are much the same, but sexual violence survivors may also have changes in dress, such as wearing baggie clothes, or sudden changes in hygiene practices (not showering as often).

I suspect someone is being abused…now what?

I suspect someone I know is being abused, what should I say?

This can be a difficult conversation to broach, so it must come from a place of compassion. First, ask this individual about it. Let her/him know you have noticed some signs and you are concerned. Offer support and encourage her/him to talk about it if they are comfortable. But do not force the conversation. The individual needs to know they can trust you and you are there for support. Ask if you can help and if they accept, be ready to offer any assistance you can safely.

How can I safely support a survivor?

An important thing you can do is to keep an open line of communication. She/he needs to know you are there and are available to talk. The isolation most survivors experience is part of the control from abusers. By keeping communication open, you are helping the individual resist that control. Reassure her/him it is not her/his fault. Abusers often control their victims by blaming them for the violence against them. Also, it is important to note on
average, it takes a survivor nine times of leaving and returning to finally break the cycle with an abuser, so be patient as this is a process.

Where can I direct a survivor for help?

Peace River Center Victim Services has free hotlines available 24/7/365 for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The Domestic Violence Hotline for Polk County is 863.413.2700, Hardee and Highlands Counties is 863.386.1167. Peace River Center also has two domestic violence shelters in Polk County and Highlands County.

Our Domestic Violence and Rape Recovery Programs provide survivors of DV and SV with a range of services:

legal services
advocacy
safety planning
group support
assistance with victim’s claims
and mental health resources to heal and recover

Whether you have experienced abuse or suspect a loved on is being abused, we are here for you 24/7. Even if you just need to talk through your concern or see how to approach someone you’re concerned about, give us a call.

24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotlines

Hardee/Highlands Counties: 863.386.1167

Polk County: 863.413.2700

24-Hour Sexual Assault Helpline: 863.413.2707

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