Pro Sports Wives: Protect Yourself from Domestic Violence and Abuse

Hopefully you read last week’s post and have an increased awareness of signs of domestic violence and abuse. If not, take a minute to read that post here.

The reality is that 1 in 3 of YOU are affected by this growing epidemic among male athletes. It is important that you are equipped with not only knowledge but resources to protect yourself and others from domestic violence and abuse. Most women fear their abuser and thus fear reporting the abuse or telling a close friend or family member. Staying in an abusive relationship WILL have a devastating impact on your life as well as the lives of your children.  Consequences include, but are not limited to lowered self-esteem, depression, anxiety, isolation, acting out behaviors in your children, injuries and even death.

 

Warning Signs to Recognize Domestic Violence or Abuse in Others:

  • Have frequent injuries they report as “accidents”
  • Seem anxious to please their partner
  • Often checks in with their partner to report where they are and what they’re doing
  • Receives frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner
  • Talks about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness
  • Often misses games or special occasions without explanation

 

Resources to Help Protect YOU from Domestic Violence and Abuse:

  • Call 24-hour hotlines for advice and guidance [In the US call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)]
  • Confide in a close friend or family member for support
  • Attend support groups where you can talk to other people in the same situation
  • Seek legal advice to guide you if wish to separate or to get a restraining order
  • Seek medical and mental health professionals who can care for your physical and emotional wounds
  • Seek religious leaders who can support and counsel you
  • Memorize important phone numbers (shelters, domestic violence hotline, family member) or keep a list in a safe place
  • Keep a spare cell phone with important phone numbers programmed into it
  • Open a separate bank account to have access to money

 

Porsha Williams, LAMFT

Pwilliams@ GROWcounseling.com