Living with or recovering from domestic abuse can feel isolating and scary, and many victims don’t know how or where to turn for help. But help is out there – and for every stage of the journey.
While immediate intervention may be needed in some situations, domestic violence can take many different forms, and it is often necessary for those affected to take certain steps before they are able to leave – or sometimes even recognize – the abusive situation. Its impacts can also linger long after the abuse ends.
Domestic violence counseling can be a crucial step toward both safety and recovery in these cases – providing a safe space for victims to confront their situation, heal, rebuild self-esteem, and regain control of their lives.
Whether you’re currently experiencing abuse, still dealing with its emotional effects, or worried about a loved one in an abusive relationship, understanding domestic violence and the role of therapy in recovering from it can help you find the support you need.
In this article, we’ll explore what domestic violence is, how therapy helps, and how to find a domestic abuse therapist in Ohio.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence, also called “domestic abuse” or “intimate partner violence,” is abuse that happens within a domestic setting.
It’s defined by the US Department of Justice as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another.”
While many people associate domestic violence with intimate partner violence (abuse from a spouse or romantic partner), it’s important to realize it can also occur in other relationships – victims may be abused by parents, siblings, children, relatives, or even roommates. It can also take many different forms, it’s not solely about physical violence.
Types (and examples) of domestic abuse include:
- Physical abuse: e.g. hitting, choking, pushing, or using physical force to control or harm someone.
- Emotional and psychological abuse: e.g. manipulation, gaslighting, threats, intimidation, or isolating someone from friends and family.
- Sexual abuse: e.g. any non-consensual sexual contact, coercion, or assault.
- Financial abuse: e.g. controlling a partner’s finances, preventing them from working, or forcing them to be financially dependent.
It’s important to understand the different realities of domestic abuse. In particular, that not all victims experience physical abuse, and not all victims are women.
Here are some important facts about domestic violence:
- Domestic violence is, sadly, very common. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 12 million women and men in the US experience a form of physical domestic abuse each year, and almost half of all men and women in the US have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
- It affects people of all genders, backgrounds, and relationships.
- Some survivors never experience physical violence but live in constant fear due to emotional or psychological abuse.
- Others may not fear their abuser but suffer significant damage to their self-worth, confidence, and ability to function in daily life.
- The emotional trauma of domestic violence can outlast physical injuries, leading to long-term mental health struggles.
- Survivors are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, and low self-esteem.
If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, it’s vital to know that it’s not your fault, you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and that help is out there.
We know that taking the first step to getting help can be the hardest, but there are many resources available to help you. If you live in Ohio, we at REACH Behavioral Health are here for you.
What to do if you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence
If you or someone you love is in an abusive situation, the most important step is ensuring safety.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for 24/7 confidential support.
In other cases, therapy for domestic violence can be one of the most helpful forms of support.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult, especially if the abuser exerts financial or emotional control. Many victims also struggle to recognize that they are in an abusive relationship. And then there is the long-term impact.
Domestic violence counseling, or therapy, can help with all these stages.
It can help individuals recognize the signs of abuse and understand that they deserve better, develop a step-by-step plan to safely leave an abusive situation, and it can help them process their experiences and trauma, regain confidence, and move forward.
The value of therapy for victims of domestic violence
Domestic violence therapy is not only about coping with the past or managing the “now” – it’s about reclaiming your future.
Survivors often struggle with trust, self-worth, and emotional regulation both during and after abuse. Therapy provides tools to navigate these challenges and build a healthier, more empowered life.
How therapy can help victims of domestic violence:
- Recognize and understand abuse: Many victims struggle to see the full extent of their situation. Therapy helps them understand abuse and why it’s not their fault.
- Make a plan to leave: A therapist can help develop a safe and realistic exit strategy.
- Manage trauma symptoms: Therapy addresses anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.
- Rebuild self-esteem and confidence: Abuse often erodes a person’s sense of self-worth, and therapy helps restore it.
- Learn to identify healthy relationships: Survivors can develop a clearer understanding of what a safe, respectful relationship looks like.
- Find other resources and support: Therapists can connect survivors with legal aid, support groups, and financial assistance programs.
You don’t have to be in an abusive relationship to benefit from therapy. Even if you left the situation years ago, therapy can help you process your past and move forward.
Survivors who witnessed domestic violence as children can also benefit from counseling to address the long-term emotional impact.
Different types of therapy for domestic violence
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing from domestic violence. Different types of therapy offer different benefits depending on individual needs.
Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling provides a private, safe space to help both those currently in an abusive relationship and those who have already left one. Therapists will adopt a variety of psychotherapy techniques, such as Trauma-Informed Therapy, CBT, DBT, and many more, as suited to each individual and their specific needs.
Group Therapy: Many survivors find comfort in connecting with others who share similar experiences. Group therapy fosters a sense of community, reducing isolation and promoting healing.
Family Therapy: If children or other family members were affected by the abuse, family therapy can help rebuild trust and communication. However, it’s important to note that couples therapy is NOT generally recommended in abusive relationships, as it can put the victim of the abuse at risk.
Teletherapy: For those who may feel unsafe or unable to attend in-person therapy, teletherapy is just as effective and can provide a confidential and accessible way to begin healing.
Who can benefit from domestic violence counseling
Domestic violence counseling is beneficial for anyone affected by any type of domestic abuse.
This includes:
- Individuals currently experiencing abuse.
- Survivors who left an abusive situation but still struggle with its effects.
- People who witnessed domestic violence (even if they were not direct victims).
If you fall into any of these categories, seeking professional support can make a significant difference in your healing process.
How to find a domestic abuse therapist in Ohio
Finding the right therapist is a vital step toward your recovery and healing from domestic violence. Having a good rapport and feeling safe and comfortable with your therapist is one of the most important factors in any therapeutic relationship, however in the case of domestic abuse, it is also recommended to seek a therapist who specializes in trauma or therapy for victims of domestic violence.
However, bear in mind that many therapists who specialize in domestic violence will not promote themselves as domestic abuse therapists, to make it safer for victims to reach out when still in abusive relationships.
At REACH, we understand the unique challenges survivors face, and have a large team of experienced therapists who offer compassionate, evidence-based support to help you heal and regain control over your life, so we can match you with the best therapist depending on your unique situation and needs.
Whether you prefer in-person counseling or the convenience or discretion of teletherapy, we can provide a safe, supportive space for your journey.
Taking the first step toward healing is courageous – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Get the help and support you deserve with domestic violence counseling
Survivors of domestic violence often carry deep emotional wounds, but healing is possible. Whether you are still in an abusive situation or struggling with the aftermath, therapy can help you understand your experiences, break free from the cycle of abuse, and move forward with confidence.
If you or a loved one needs support, REACH Behavioral Health is here to help. Our domestic abuse therapists here in Ohio specialize in trauma recovery, offering personalized therapy to support you through every stage of healing.
Contact us today to take the first step toward a safer, healthier future. You deserve it.