# Treating Domestic Violence

- Link: https://www.alquimedez.com/treating-domestic-violence
- Published: 2021-09-10T08:34:32+00:00
- Author: alquimedezhemo

Henry Montero, LMHC, CASAC-2, CTTS

**Alquimedez Mental Health Counseling**
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henmontero Instagram: alquimedezmentalhealth

Domestic violence is a serious matter that affects households across the world. 
Women and men are subjected to all kinds of abuse at the hands of their spouse or
intimate partner. Victimization in a domestic setting can damage households irrevocably
and scar victims permanently as well.

The ill effects of domestic violence can be better explained through numbers. It
is estimated that up to 50% of families who are rendered homeless have suffered 
from domestic violence of some kind. Another adverse effect of domestic violence
is that victims end up costing the healthcare system nearly 6 billion dollars each
year in costs!

**Treatment**
 Like any other ailment and affliction, domestic violence requires
attention. Since domestic violence can include all types of actions like physical
and sexual assault, verbal, emotional and financial abuse as well, therefore, proper
treatment must be meted out accordingly to victims.

Domestic violence victims require safety and security. As a protection to domestic
abuse victims is essential, medical professionals who cater to these individuals
strongly suggest that those who are endangered at home should develop a safety plan
in case things go awry.

A safety plan is designed to allow the victim to keep a communication device, i.
e., a cellular phone at his disposal at all times and trying to maintain a semblance
of harmony and peace at home as well. If that fails, then the victims are recommended
to seek a restraining order from the court. Such an injunction will lead to the 
victimizer being unable to harm the victim for starters.

There are other contingencies that can be implemented if things continue to escalate.
For example, victims can change the site of their work or request a transfer if 
need be. Even altering smaller details like using a new parking slot can prove beneficial.
In terms of interaction with others nearby, experts suggest that having an emergency
contact(s) on standby and alerting neighbors or coworkers in case of danger are 
good ideas too.

As women are victims more often than not, doctors have coined a method known as 
the Duluth Model. Also known as the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DIAP), 
the approach enables women to garner support so that they can successfully combat
domestic violence.

Also, the model also utilizes legal resources to keep female victims secure from
abuse. If aggressive men are reprimanded for their actions, then the chances of 
women suffering at their hands again decrease significantly.

While other treatment methods have been applied in cases of domestic violence, none
have been accepted as widely as the Duluth Model. Those who do not have access are
still recommended to find a support group in the vicinity. This can be advantageous
since conversing with others and communicating effectively could result in a reduction
in victimizing your partner or being the victim yourself.

Also, being in a dedicated congregation can help overcome the side effects of domestic
violence like mental health concerns. For example, those who have suffered from 
sustained periods may be depressed. Involvement in a social group can help alleviate
this depression and build shattered self-esteem as well.