Dr. Eboni Green
December 21, 2024
Domestic abuse is awful no matter who you are. But, when you depend on the care of others for your health and well-being and experience domestic abuse, it can be even harder. If you’re a caregiver to someone that’s been through it, the journey isn’t over. Domestic abuse stays with you for years and can seriously impact your quality of life if not dealt with correctly. With that in mind, here are some tips to safeguard dependents who have survived domestic abuse.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that domestic abuse is happening. If you’re caring for someone that can sometimes become confused, they might allege that they’re experiencing domestic abuse when it’s not actually happening. Remember that domestic abuse isn’t always physical harm, so take the time to learn signs of domestic abuse so that you can identify it and take action if it is happening.
Once you’ve identified that your dependent is being abused, it’s important to remove them from the situation as soon as possible. Even if that means taking them out for a coffee until you can call the police or find other places for them to stay, the sooner you can get them away from their abuser, the better. If you can’t remove them from the situation, it’s time to get the authorities involved. You can also get in touch with any of these domestic violence contacts to get further support on how to help.
Next you’ll need to put together a safety plan with your dependent. This might include a code word if they’re in danger and where they can go to stay safe. Now is also a good time to look into an protective order attorney for their general well-being and safety. If their abuser can’t get near them, they can begin the healing process.
Domestic abuse is more than being physically or emotionally scarred. It goes way deeper than that and will take time to process. That’s why it’s important to surround your dependent with people they can talk to without the fear of judgment. Find local support groups and encourage them to attend. Even if they don’t speak, simply being surrounded by a network of people that understand can really help the healing process. If it’s hard to attend a group, find online networks that host online instead.
Finally, domestic abuse often leaves the victim feeling worthless and like it’s all their fault. Because of this, they often neglect basic needs like eating well, washing themselves, and taking some pride in their appearance. Encourage your dependent to practice self care every day. Not only is it good for their physical well-being, but it will help heal any negative thoughts they may have about themselves due to domestic abuse.
Dealing with domestic abuse isn’t easy, but it’s important to take proactive steps to help get them out of the toxic situation as soon as possible.
