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MENTAL WELLNESS MOMENT SCROLL DOWN FOR THE 10TH EDITION MWM NEWSLETTER

Domestic Violence is NEVER okay.

It is NOT your fault.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Domestic Violence begins with Grooming and continues in a Cycle of Phases.

GROOMING

Abusers come on very strong in the dating stage. This is a predatory tactic meant to build a deep emotional attachment. This is often demonstrated through intense romance, extravagant gifts, overwhelming attention, and sweet words that make future victims close their eyes to the red flags indicating potential abuse. Soon to follow is Intimidation.

INTIMIDATION

Intimidation is achieved by abusers learning their victim’s intimate experiences and weaknesses. The abuser continues grooming within the victim’s friends, family, and others with intentions to cause them to overlook the signs of abuse and to cut ties with the victim. The abuser has access to the victim’s personal information such as passwords and pushes the victim further and further away from their friends and family. This leads to a victim being isolated with dependence on their abuser. Due to prolonged intimidation tactics, the victim at this point has developed fear, self-blame, and inappropriate guilt imposed on them from their abuser.

CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

Once grooming is complete, the cycle of violence begins and, in many cases, moderate acts of violence have already occurred. The Cycle of Violence consists of three phases that repeat themselves:

Phase I: Tension Building. During this phase, the warning signs of abuse start to present themselves, and may be characterized by the abuser yelling at the victim for no reason or for things they did not do (like flirting with someone else) and more argumentation than usual.

Phase II: Abusive Incident. This is when the abuse occurs, which may include acts of physical or sexual violence, threats of physical or sexual violence, violent screaming or yelling, throwing objects, or other abusive behavior.

Phase III: Honeymoon Period. This is when the abuser treats the victim with kindness, apologizes, and justifies or minimizes the abuse. This may consist of buying gifts, making excuses for the abusive behavior, apologizing, and other similar behavior.

Click here to learn more about each phase of the Cycle of Violence.

Please contact your ASA/ADON for resources or complete a Student Support Counselor Referral if you are experiencing unmanageable mental health symptoms and/or experiencing unsafe conditions that are affecting your academic success. Your Student Support Counselor will be able to assess your symptoms and get you the help that you need.

Please attend Open Consultation hours available on Thursdays 10am-12pm/6pm-8pm using the link below.

(You do not need a referral form completed for Open Consultation)

You are not alone. We are here for you.

Watch the video below to learn about our referral process to get resources and support.