Domestic Violence - Counseling, Support, Resources

Domestic Violence – Information, Counseling, Support and Resources – LifePaths Counseling Center

Domestic violence is a pattern of power and control in an intimate relationship, where one partner is violent towards the other – physically, emotionally, or both. It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence in some form during her lifetime.  Some believe this statistic is a little low because this is a problem that often is hidden.

Domestic violence affects people in all communities regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, culture, economic status, religion, or educational background.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is not just physical violence. Often the most traumatic and damaging type of abuse is emotional. This may be complex and may also be very subtle in nature. Sometimes this can cause you to question whether you are in an abusive situation or not.

Abusers may use one or more things that are important to you to maintain control, such as your children, money, or religious beliefs. An abusive person may also threaten you with harm.

When domestic violence involves children, it means that your concern is not only for your own safety and well being, but also for your children.

Children can develop multiple problems when they are exposed to violent relationships that involve people they care about, and witnessing abuse as a child is the strongest risk factor of continuing violent relationships into the next generation.

Individual or group counseling can help someone who is a survivor – those currently in an abusive relationship or recovering from the negative effects of one in the past. LifePaths offers individual and occasionally offers group counseling as well.  Our Director has a lot of knowledge in the area of domestic violence and she is connected to many resources across the Denver Metro area related to this.   If you decide to work with one of our counselors, you will find a safe and non-judgmental place to learn coping skills, develop a personal safety plan if necessary, and find hope for your future.

Find more information about domestic violence and support services at the following websites:

– Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

– US Government Office on Violence Against Women

For many of the past ten years, there has been a community event at University of Colorado – Denver called “Love, Sex, Lies” which is coordinated by The Phoenix Center. Watch for the next event (usually in October each year) at the following link: UC Denver Love, Sex, Lies.  If you have an opportunity to attend, it can be very helpful.

Lundy Bancroft is a writer with several books related to domestic violence. On his website http://www.lundybancroft.com you can find information on his books along with other resources. His latest book is Should I Stay Or Should I Go? and he has a separate website with an excellent resource for people who want to change their own abusive behavior. You can find it here.

Additional Domestic Violence books that I consider to be good resources are:

– Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse, Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.
– Helping Her Get Free, Susan Brewster