Domestic Violence Affects Us All

Whether it comes in the form of spouse battering, beating or molesting a child, intimate partner rape, or emotional control over another, domestic violence ruins lives. I know, as I experienced both emotional and sexual abuse as a child. I know how it leads to various addictions to cover up the pain. I know how hard it is to face the shame and embarrassment, to want to keep this secret covered up.

Domestic violence does not respect any boundaries. You can be white, privileged, and rich enough to buy really good concealer, but that black eye is the same one sported by those of every race, religion, and socio-economic status. It doesn’t matter how famous you are, how gifted as an artist or athlete or star, you can still be either the victim or the perpetrator of domestic violence.

And nothing is worse than keeping it a secret. As anyone who has read my book Truth Heals knows, it’s that buried pain that can wreak havoc with our lives—certainly with our relationships, our health, and our happiness.

Go to Psychology Today to read my blog on this topic at https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mining-the-headlines/201410/the-secret-shame-domestic-violence.