SAFE-T Crisis Center

10/23/2026

10/22/2026

💜 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS MORE THAN PHYSICAL ABUSE 💜
When we hear the words domestic violence, many people immediately think of physical violence. But abuse can take many different forms, and not all abuse leaves visible bruises.
Domestic violence can include:
🔹 Physical Abuse – Hitting, kicking, choking, restraining, or using weapons.
🔹 Emotional & Psychological Abuse – Name-calling, humiliation, constant criticism, manipulation, gaslighting, or making someone question their own reality.
🔹 Sexual Abuse – Forcing or pressuring someone into s*xual activity, unwanted s*xual contact, or using s*x as a form of control.
🔹 Financial Abuse – Controlling money, preventing someone from working, restricting access to bank accounts, or creating financial dependence.
🔹 Digital Abuse – Tracking someone's location, monitoring their phone or social media, demanding passwords, or using technology to threaten or intimidate.
🔹 Isolation – Keeping someone away from family, friends, work, school, or other sources of support.
🔹 Spiritual Abuse – Using someone's faith or beliefs to manipulate, shame, control, or justify abusive behavior.
🔹 Stalking & Intimidation – Repeated unwanted calls or messages, following someone, showing up unexpectedly, making threats, or creating fear.
💜 ALL FORMS OF ABUSE ARE REAL.
Domestic violence is often a pattern of behaviors used to gain and maintain power and control over another person. These behaviors may happen individually or together, but each can have a serious and lasting impact.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of abuse, you are not alone. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported.
🦋 Let’s raise awareness, recognize the signs, believe survivors, and remind others that abuse is never their fault. 💜

By Domestic Violence Survivor Support

Chelsey Miears

Prevention Specialist / Legal Advocate

10/22/2026

SAFE-T Crisis Center
204 Patrick St. Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
Hotline: 24/7: 903-575-9999

10/21/2026

SAFE-T Crisis Center
204 Patrick St. Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
903-572-0973 or HOTLINE 24/7 903-575-9999

10/15/2026

Perceptions of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is often misunderstood because of the many myths and misconceptions surrounding abuse. Some people may believe that domestic violence only involves physical violence, such as hitting or punching. In reality, domestic violence can include emotional, verbal, s*xual, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as controlling or intimidating behaviors. Abuse is often about power and control and can occur in many different types of relationships and circumstances.

Society may also place unfair expectations on victims and question why they do not simply leave an abusive relationship. These perceptions can create additional barriers for survivors who may already be experiencing fear, financial dependence, isolation, threats, or concern for their children and personal safety. Leaving an abusive relationship is not always immediate or straightforward, and separation can sometimes increase the risk of harm.

Another common misconception is that domestic violence is caused by anger, alcohol, drugs, or stress. While these factors may contribute to an abusive situation, they do not excuse abusive behavior or make the victim responsible for it. Responsibility for abuse belongs to the person choosing to use abusive or controlling behavior.

Understanding domestic violence requires moving beyond stereotypes and recognizing that anyone can experience abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, or background. Creating greater awareness and responding without judgment can help survivors feel supported and more comfortable seeking assistance.

CALL TO ACTION:

📣We all have a role in changing the way domestic violence is perceived and addressed.

🟣Educate yourself, challenge harmful myths, listen without judgment, and support survivors rather than questioning their choices. If you recognize signs of abuse in your own life or someone else's, take those concerns seriously and connect with trusted advocates or local resources for support and safety planning.

🟣Most importantly, speak up when you see or hear attitudes that blame victims or normalize abuse. By increasing awareness, offering compassion, and holding abusers accountable for their actions, we can help create safer communities where survivors are believed, respected, and supported.

!IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER!


Asking for help is NOT a weakness.
You DESERVE to feel safe, valued and respected.
KEEP going your story does not end with what happened to you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or needs support, SAFE-T Crisis Center is here to help.

Public Opinion About Domestic Violence | Office of Justice Programs

Ciera Hamilton
Prevention Specialist/Advocate