Dietetic Sinners: Domestic Violence Awareness Month {Love is NOT Abuse Cookies}

I can't believe that it's October once again. This year has flown by! This is a busy month for me as a Domestic Violence Advocate because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Our agency plans a lot of community events to get the message out and to let folks know that there is help out there and that love is not abuse.

Domestic Violence Awareness month doesn't get much advertisement, unlike Breast Cancer Awareness. DV is a hard subject to talk about. It shouldn't be because, like breast cancer, it can affect anyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or education. And while it can be a problem more likely to be faced by a woman, men can be victims too.

Domestic Violence isn't just limited to physical violence. It can also be sexual, psychological, emotional and/or economical as well. Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

If you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around your partner—constantly watching what you say and do in order to avoid a blow-up—chances are your relationship is unhealthy and abusive.

Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship:

A push for a quick relationship

Jealous and possessive behavior

Tries to control your life

Unrealistic expectations

Isolates you from friends and family

Blames others for his/her problems and mistakes

Makes everyone else responsible for his/her feelings

Says his/her feelings are easily hurt

Cruel to animals and children

"Playful" use of force during sex

Yells and calls you names

Rigid sex roles

Sudden mood swings

History of battering

Threats of violence

The more “yes” answers, the more likely it is that you’re in an abusive relationship.

Don't hesitate to speak up if you think someone is being abused or is in an abusive relationship. Even if you think that it’s none of your business, that you might be wrong, or the person might not want to talk about it, your concern will let the person know that you care and may even save his or her life.