Spouse Abuse

Family violence is one of the best kept secrets in America. Millions of women are subject to abuse from their boyfriends or husbands. Every couple has arguments, but there is a big difference between arguing and abuse. How can you tell the difference?

Ask yourself:

• When your spouse or boyfriend gets angry does he hurt you physically?
• Does he prevent you from seeing friends or family?
• Does he make you have sex against your will?
• Does he threaten you or yell at you?
• Does he make you feel worthless or powerless?
• And yet despite these bad moments, is he sometimes as sweet and reasonable as you’d like him to be?

If the answer is yes to many of these questions, then you may be in a domestic violence relationship.
Men who batter women do so many times because they themselves were abused as children or witnessed abuse at home while growing up. Battering is a learned behavior and a number of organizations exist for men who batter.
Sometimes a woman stays in a destructive relationship because she lacks confidence or self esteem. She may be afraid she won’t be able to support herself or her children. She may fear for her life if she does leave her partner.
You can protect yourself by coming up with a plan of action if a situation becomes too dangerous. You can talk to your doctor, nurse, a family member, a close friend or a clergy member.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Gynecology and Infertility Associates web site should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.