Domestic violence remains a problem hidden epidemicaffecting millions of people around the world through not only physical but also psychological abuse, such as coercive control and financial exploitation. Observed each October, the goal of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is to increase public understanding of this crisis and inspire collective action.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the impact of domestic violence and ways that allies can better understand and support victim-survivors. Most people think of abuse as simply physical, but new studies show that other forms of abuse, while covert, can be just as damaging.

What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)?

In October, many organizations affiliated with the fight against domestic violence put a lot of effort into raising awareness about the realities of domestic violence. domestic violence in all its forms – from physical aggression to the impact of coercive control. This year’s DVAM theme, “Heal, Hold and Center,” emphasizes compassionate and holistic support for survivors with an emphasis on healing, community advocacy and centering survivor voices.

The financial impact of domestic violence

The often overlooked economic impact of domestic violence affects survivors’ quality of life, with consequences that can last a lifetime. THE CDC estimates that domestic violence costs the United States more than $8.3 billion annually, including health care, lost productivity, and criminal justice services – today probably more than $13 billion with inflation. Direct medical and mental health costs alone were estimated at $4.1 billion. Financial security is a delicate task for many survivors, and the impact of abuse on their economic situation can last a lifetime. The CDC estimates that IPV causes a loss of approximately 8 million paid work days each year, and studies show that between 21% and 60% of IPV survivors lose their jobs directly due to abuse, i.e. due to harassment at work or absenteeism.

How can public understanding occur?

Education can be one of the most effective ways to understand the dynamics, patterns and broader influence of abuse. Professor Dale Margolin Cecka, assistant professor of law and director of the Family Violence Litigation Clinic at Albany Law School, challenges common misconceptions.

“There is a feeling among the general population that because we criminally prosecute abusers, we have ‘solved’ domestic violence,” Cecka said.

This disconnect, she adds, fuels stigma around victim-survivors, reinforcing negative stereotypes about why survivors stay in abusive relationships. Cecka also highlighted how family courts, in particular, can encourage unhealthy power dynamics, often awarding custody to parents accused of abuse.

“Family courts award joint or sole custody to fathers accused of domestic violence in about 70 percent of cases,” she said. Such practices can re-victimize survivors, particularly when coercive control is involved.

“Unless you have been very close to a victim, you have no idea how extraordinarily complicated these situations are,” Cecka noted. “Victims do not open up because they are often socially isolated, degraded, ashamed and trapped. Even if the general population knows people who are victims of violence, they often do not understand what victims endure on a daily basis. It also means that the public does not realize how inadequate our legal system (both criminal and civil) is in combating abuse.

The role of AI and social media in domestic violence investigations

Joshua Lee, an active-duty police sergeant and professor at Grand Canyon University with more than a decade of experience, says social media can make investigating domestic violence cases more complicated. “Social media can greatly damage the credibility of a case,” says Lee. “I have encountered many cases of domestic violence where the victims had established a narrative on social media with unsubstantiated allegations of prior abuse or neglect. When the actual crime occurs, they present documents from social media rather than official police reports. This almost always raises doubts about the victim’s credibility.”

Artificial intelligence is also influencing how law enforcement responds to and investigates domestic violence cases, which presents both benefits and challenges. “AI is dramatically transforming the way officers respond to and investigate abuse-related crimes,” says Lee. “Law enforcement now uses advanced tools that analyze abuse data and create predictive models aimed at preventing possible violent crimes. »

But AI has limitations that make investigations tricky, and Lee says it can often pose obstacles for victims of domestic violence and the law enforcement professionals trying to help them.

“Conversely, AI also makes it easier to create false evidence, such as manipulated injury photos or fabricated audio recordings that can distort situations and complicate investigations,” says Lee. “I’ve seen cases where the suspect denies any involvement, but the victim recorded audio of the suspect saying horrible things. Who should we believe in these cases?

Subtle signs of control and coercion

AI has refined law enforcement’s approach to domestic violence, but human interactions often reveal the subtle signs of coercive control that technology can miss. Lee recalls a case that started as a routine investigation, only to uncover something deeper.

“Years ago I was investigating a bicycle found and abandoned in the park. Normally we wouldn’t do a lot of investigation just because it’s just a bike. Except that bike was very expensive and left unattended in a private park,” Lee said.

He will later use the serial number to trace the bike back to its owner.

“While talking to the owner, who lived in a major neighborhood, I noticed that her husband kept looking at us. He even stood up and said, “Thanks for bringing the bike back, but you have to go.” » His behavior, as well as that of his wife, was not normal, so I dug deeper and discovered that the husband had complete control over his wife’s finances. A few weeks later, she called the police while he was at work, and we were able to provide her with the means she needed to escape.

Lee said training health care workers and providers to recognize these non-visible signs is invaluable.

“Training is essential to learn how to respond to non-visible signs of control. Teaching officers how to carry on a conversation without drawing attention to the real reason for the conversation is truly an art.

Barriers to Seeking Help for Domestic Violence

Matthew D. Johnson, a psychology professor at Binghamton University, also noted that complex factors affecting a victim’s decision to stay include love, financial dependence and concern for pets or children.

“There are many reasons why someone might choose to stay in or return to such a relationship after spending time in a shelter,” Johnson explained, adding that even just one night in a shelter can save lives. lives. Economic barriers, social isolation, and logistical challenges create a daunting reality for survivors seeking safe exit strategies.

Johnson also said that how the public perceives a domestic violence survivor can make or break the victim or survivor’s willingness to seek help.

“Public cynicism can lead to a lack of empathy and support for victims. People may doubt the severity of the abuse or blame the victim for their situation, which can discourage victims from seeking help,” Johnson said. “Victims may also fear being judged or stigmatized if they end their relationship or spend time in a shelter. Negative public attitudes can retraumatize victims, making them feel invalidated and alone, which can hinder their ability to heal and move forward.

Despite the economic impact of domestic violence, financial support for survivors remains limited, and attorneys like Cecka, who was a Skadden Fellow at the Legal Aid Society of New York, advocate for policies that create long-term, sustainable solutions. “An urgent response should be housing, not just temporary shelters but permanent, affordable options,” she said. Cecka also stressed the need for permanent programs that would provide survivors of domestic violence with affordable housing for themselves and their children, where appropriate.

Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), Love is Respect and RAINN are among the organizations working alongside lawyers, advocates and policymakers for systemic change regarding domestic violence . Other non-profit organizations like CNVR, Called to Ministries of Peace And Safe Harbor Foundation for Victims also offer specialized support systems for survivors.

The need to raise awareness about domestic violence will continue to fuel discussions over the coming years. Breaking stereotypes and misconceptions about domestic violence, especially its non-physical forms, is one way to understand and advocate for the cause. Managers, colleagues and organizations across all sectors can also benefit from harnessing the nuances of domestic violence, as workplaces can ultimately play a central role year-round in supporting to survivors, whether the abuse seems obvious at first glance or not.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, do not hesitate to seek help. Resources are available to help survivors find safety and rebuild their lives.