Hard to Talk About: Getting Help for Domestic Violence

What Debbie is going through is not easy. In fact, it is awful. Her husband yells at her for any random reason, and often, his anger escalates to physical violence. She is both physically harmed, and mentally manipulated. Either way, she feels like she cannot – or should not – say anything because her partner is threatening her with further violence (even sometimes to kill her), and in any case, she doesn’t  want to bring shame on their family.  

She even feels like maybe it’s her fault – maybe she could change her behavior and then he will act right. But she’s tried that, and it doesn’t work. Deep down Debbie knows that he needs help, and in the meantime, she is bearing the brunt of his misbehavior. Debbie wants to be out of his way – out of harm’s way.

Debbie feels alone and scared, and doesn’t realize she can turn to someone for help.
 

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If you are a Miami Center for Excellence patient who is experiencing domestic violence, we want you to know that we are here for you. We can help you with any related or unrelated gynecological and obstetric health issues, and can direct you to the proper authorities or organizations for other assistance.

If you are reading this for someone you know, it is best to provide a loving, listening ear, and then to assist the woman to get professional help in order for her recovery process to be as efficient as possible.

The most important aspect about domestic violence is that the victim know that she can get help. Unfortunately domestic violence is all too common, and Miami has its fair share too. Get help now so that you can preserve your own physical and mental health, and pursue ways to continue your life violence-free.

Here is some primary info from the Miami-Dade authorities:

  • If you need immediate assistance, dial 911.
  • For resources, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).