No matter how old you are or where you live, chances are you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence. Thousands of Americans go into protective shelters every year because of domestic violence, and many others never seek help for their situations. Whether you are the victim of spousal abuse or someone in need of anger management therapy, there are domestic violence recovery programs out there for you.
In this discussion, we will explore some of the domestic violence therapy options we offer here at Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers in Michigan, along with some tips to help you identify signs of abuse early on.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Any attempt to cause physical or emotional harm to someone else in your household is considered domestic violence unless it is used in self-defense. This covers a wide range of interactions, including:
- Physical Abuse (Hitting, Punching, Slapping, Etc.)
- Blunt Injury (Being Hit With An Object That Does Not Pierce The Skin, Like A Bat Or Frying Pan)
- Rape Or Other Sexual Violence
- Mental Terrorizing
- Denying Another Person Of Basic Needs (Food, Water, Access To Facilities)
- Threats Of Any Of The Acts Listed Above
Simply put, if a person feels that he or she is being harmed or could be harmed in his or her household, he or she is the victim of domestic violence. Just because someone does not physically hit another person does not mean that the act is not violent. Abuse of any variety should be stopped, treated, and prevented for the future. That’s where domestic violence recovery comes into play.
Domestic Violence Statistics In Michigan
How common is domestic violence in Michigan? How many people are victims of household violence in Michigan every year? The latest domestic violence statistics from the Michigan State Police are from 2009. They break down as follows:
Michigan Domestic Violence Offenders And Victims (By Gender)
- Female Offenders: 27,588
- Male Offenders: 76,318
- Female Victims: 75,085
- Male Victims: 28,165
Relationship Between Victims And Offenders
- Married: 13,260
- Boyfriend/Girlfriend Not Living Together: 25,490
- Boyfriend/Girlfriend Living Together: 3,987
- Ex-Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Spouse: 15,445
- Sibling (Brother/Sister): 7,489
- Child Victim: 10,577
- Parent Victim: 9,727
Common Weapons Used During Domestic Violence In Michigan
- Personal Weapons: 45,094
- Knives Or Other Cutting Instruments: 2,715
- Blunt Objects: 1,848
- Motor Vehicles: 536
- None (No Weapon Was Used For The Act): 12,004
Domestic Violence Recovery For Victims
Domestic violence is a traumatic experience to go through. Whether it is a prolonged event spanning years of your relationship or it’s a singular, one-time problem, it will take time for you to fully recover and move forward with your life. The best way to approach this process is to seek out professional domestic violence counseling. This will allow you to work with a therapist or counselor who specializes in relationship dynamics, abuse counseling, couples counseling, or any other help you may seek.
The type of counselor you work with will depend on the nature of your relationship and the domestic violence you encountered. Counseling for victims of sexual assault is much different than counseling for victims of emotional abuse. If you contact our counseling centers in Michigan, we can review your circumstances and pair you with the best counselor or therapist for your individual needs. That way, you get the highest level of care possible to help you on the road to recovery.
In addition to seeking counseling individually, you will need to determine if you want to stay with the person who abused you. If you are going to maintain your relationship, you will need to go through couples counseling together to overcome obstacles from your past and prevent them from occurring in the future. If you are not going to stay together because you are in danger, you may need to get a protective order against your spouse or seek shelter at a local family crisis center. We can provide you with the resources necessary to complete these processes and ensure your safety after domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Recovery For Offenders
Victims are not the only ones who go through a recovery process after domestic violence. Offenders should also work to control their anger and identify what caused them to become violent in the first place. Were you a victim of domestic violence in the past? Did you ever fully recover from the trauma? What are the triggers for your anger, and what can be done to minimize or remove those from your household?
Your anger management therapist can work with you to determine why you have committed acts of domestic violence. Then you can work together to come up with healthy ways for you to channel your aggression so you do not become violent again. As long as you are committed to the recovery process, your counselor is going to be there to guide you. Everyone involved with domestic violence can enjoy a better quality of life.