October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and I have written about this several times over the years. The number of abused women by current or ex-male partners continues to be staggering.

In a report found on the U.S. Department of Justice website, “The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2012 is 6,488. The number of women who were murdered by current or ex-male partners during that same time frame is 11,766, according to the Huffington Post. That’s almost double the number of people who were killed fighting in the war.”

These are not up-to-date numbers, but no one should be subject to an abusive or life-ending relationship.

Some of the ways that I have found on the internet of how women can find out if they are in an abusive relationship that they need to get out of include:

1. Your partner has hit you, beat you, or strangled you.

2. Your partner is possessive, keeping tabs on your every move.

3. Your partner is jealous and accuses you of wrongdoing, or isolates you from family or friends.

4. Your partner puts you down, attacks your intelligence, looks, mental health, or capabilities.

5. Your partner threatens you or your family.

6. Your partner physically or sexually abuses you.

Domestic abuse is about controlling and maintaining power over another person.

From the National Center for Victims of Crime: “Domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community at large. Children who grow up witnessing domestic violence, are among those seriously affected by this crime. Frequent exposure to violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social and physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life –  therefore, increasing their risk of becoming society's next generation of victims and abusers.”

Let’s all work hard to help end this torment.

For more information, visit these websites:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Advocates are also available to chat 24/7.

National Center for Victims of Crime
1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)