Self Defense for Women NOW! » domestic violence http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com What your attacker doesn't want you to know Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:28:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Domestic Violence – How to Tell If You are in an Abusive Relationship http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/abusive-relationship-how-to-tell/ http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/abusive-relationship-how-to-tell/#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:01:17 +0000 Liza Cooper http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/?p=49 Sometimes, when you are being abused by someone you love, it is hard to see it for what it is. If you suspect there may be abuse in your relationship, look for these tell-tale signs:

  • Track all of your time?
  • Constantly accuse you of being unfaithful?
  • Discourage your relationships with family and friends?
  • Prevent you from working or attending school?
  • Criticize you for little things?
  • Anger easily when drinking or on drugs?
  • Control all finances and force you to account for what you spend?
  • Humiliate you in front of others?
  • Destroy your personal property or sentimental items?
  • Hit punch, slap, kick, or bite you or your children?
  • Threaten to hurt you or your children?
  • Use or threaten to use a weapon against you?
  • Force you to have sex against your will?

If you find yourself saying yes to several of these questions, you are in an abusive relationship.

]]> http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/abusive-relationship-how-to-tell/feed/ 0 So Why Do Women Stay in Abusive Relationships – It’s Because They’re Afraid, Stupid. http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/abusive-relationships/ http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/abusive-relationships/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:52:00 +0000 Liza Cooper http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/?p=46 The signs of domestic violence are easy to see, but for many women, they are easier to ignore.  The main reason women stay in relationships where they are being abused can be attributed to low self-esteem and economics, but also, the fear of leaving makes them stay. They are afraid that if they leave the relationship, they will be hurt worse than if they stay.

If you are in this boat, it is important to realize that you don’t have to endure this abuse.  In fact, staying in the relationship can be morally and mentally devastating to not only you, but your children and family members as well. WomenLaw.org has excellent tips to help you leave safely.

]]> http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/abusive-relationships/feed/ 0 Domestic Violence http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/domestic-violence/ http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/domestic-violence/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:38:08 +0000 Liza Cooper http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/?p=37 Domestic violence is probably the most prevalent crime against women.  Being in an abusive relationship is not only tragic for you and your children, but it could also be deadly.  Domestic violence is the number one crime against women and resisting your attacker, even if you have loving feelings for him, can mean the difference between life and death.

If you think you may be in an abusive situation or an abusive relationship there are resources to help. An excellent one is The National Domestic Violence Hotline.

]]> http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/domestic-violence/feed/ 0 Gun-Control Fanatic was a Victim of Domestic Violence http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/meleanie-hain-domestic-violence/ http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/meleanie-hain-domestic-violence/#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:28:45 +0000 Liza Cooper http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/?p=137 Domestic violence is usually kept in secrecy–the batterer wants to maintain control over his victim and his victim is either threatened, intimidated, or made to feel guilt or shame. But from time-to-time, a case hits the headlines. And when it does you can learn how domestic violence works and get suggestions about action to take.

In this case, Meleanie Hain, a Lebanon, PA woman was shot to death by her husband, who later took his own life. She had made the national news a year ago when she insisted on her right to carry her Glock handgun with her to her daughter’s soccer game.

Many people took her to be a pro-gun fanatic, but in retrospect it is easier to see that her swagger was a disguised call for help.

]]> http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/meleanie-hain-domestic-violence/feed/ 0 Women, Always Take Threats and Stalking Seriously http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/threats-stalking/ http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/threats-stalking/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:20:50 +0000 Liza Cooper http://www.selfdefense4womennow.com/?p=35 A common crime against women involves threats and threatening behavior by an attacker.  While men commit most crimes against women, threats can come from other women as well.  Your chances of resisting an attack by a woman are much more in your favor, but when a man threatens you, the situation can certainly change quickly.

Always, always, take threats seriously.  It may be hard for you to realize that your life is actually in danger but, if someone is making credible threats, you must take steps to protect yourself.  Most victims of domestic violence who are murdered (or murder is attempted) by their abusers were stalked, sometimes for days, sometimes for months, before the lethal attack. If your life is being threatened, you should consider yourself a stalking target, and take steps to protect yourself.

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