Breaking the Cycle of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as “an act of another party involving contact intended to cause feelings of physical pain, injury or any other physical suffering or bodily harm.” (Wikipedia, 2014) Unfortunately, abuse is quite common. Studies show that women involved in intimate relationships are the most common to be abused. This type of physical abuse can also be defined as domestic violence. “An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003) Abuse typically follows a cycle. A physical incident is usually followed by excuses and apologies, and usually ends right back at the beginning. This cycle is repetitive and usually intensifies until the victim is strong enough to break that cycle. Victims of abuse suffer from numerous effects during and after the abused period. If there are children in the household, these children quite often also suffer from these situations. Victims of abuse most commonly suffer from Psychological Disorders such as Depression and PTSD, experience loss of job which may cause them to fall in to poverty, and runs the risk of creating extensive issues for their children throughout their lives. Having been a victim of physical abuse myself; I understand the hardships, the adverse effects and the feeling of despair associated with it.

Victims of abuse typically suffer from Psychological Disorders, most commonly being Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. During and after the abusive period, these disorders can dramatically affect the abused individuals actions and way of thinking. Firsthand, I can say that it makes you feel like you hit an all-time low, your self-esteem disintegrates and you feel powerless. Be...

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...ividual, a family, and anyone involved. It is certainly not an easy thing to overcome, but with the right people behind you and the sincere determination to better your life, it is possible. Looking back now I cannot believe how long I stayed, how many excuses I made and what I put up with; but I will not allow myself to regret because if not for my abuser, I would not have my boys and I would not be the vigorous woman that I am today.

Works Cited

Cathy Meyer. “Physical Abuse Statistics.” http://divorcesupport.about.com/od/abusiverelationships/a/physicalabusestatistics.htm. Web. (n.d)

Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States. 2003. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Centers for Injury Prevention and Control. Atlanta, GA.

Wikipedia. “Physical Abuse.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_abuse. Web. January 23, 2014.