Do All Alcoholics Have Domestic Abuse Issues?
Not entirely… Not all alcoholics are physically and emotionally abusive, and not all abusive people are alcoholics. It’s pretty clear that most adults drink on normal basis, but drinking is not the cause of abuse. There are several instances where people say they are abusive because of alcohol, but the fact is you can be abusive drunk or sober. Alcohol might make the abuse a little worse, though.
Is your relationship physically and emotionally abusive?
Being with a partner who is physically and emotionally abusive is a scary reality. If you’re experiencing abuse from a partner or friend, it’s best to seek help immediately.
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Call the Domestic Abuse Hotline
U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline:1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
U.K. Women’s Aid: 0808 2000 247
U.K. ManKind Initiative: 01823 334244
Australia 1800Respect: 1800 737 732
Wordwide Help: International Directory of Domestic Violence Agencies
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Understand Your Abuse
Abuse doesn’t have to involve someone physically hurting you. There are other types of abuse as well, such as emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. Some examples of emotional abuse include someone discouraging you, calling you names, picking on you, or looking down on you. If you experience this from a friend or partner, they are abusing you. Financial abuse could mean your partner or friend keeping track of your spending and finances and not allowing you any financial freedom to use it how you want. Being sexually abused could mean someone touching you, raping you, or making you feel uncomfortable in a sexual way.
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Don’t Make Up Excuses
Abuse is abuse. No question about it. Whether it happened once, it’s less abusive than the last time, or it’s not as bad as some people, it’s still abuse. There’s no excuse for being abused, physically or emotionally.
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Document the Abuse
If someone is being physically or emotionally abusive to you, document whatever you can. Most cell phones have video recording and audio recording, but there are also ways to record on a computer. If you document the behavior, you’ll be able to send it to the police and get help faster.
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Create a Code Word Indicating Your Abuse
By making up a code word, you’ll be able to tell your trusted friends, family or children what the word is. Then, when you’re feeling uncomfortable and scared in your relationship and need help, you can use your code work to indicate to your friend to call or get help for you.
Since alcohol alters our mood and personality, it can make us feel more confident and powerful. As a result it can also distort our personality by making us mean and brutal when we don’t mean to be.
If you have tried talking to your friend or partner about their alcohol consumption and are constantly getting abused, you need to get out of your relationship. If you wait any longer, it could be too late, or it could be much harder to escape.
of sexual assaults involve alcohol.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please call one of the hotlines above. Your story matters because abuse is a serious problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please call us for a free and confidential assessment.