Domestic abuse takes many forms including (but not limited to) physical or verbal abuse, forced intercourse or sexual acts, controlling behavior, humiliating or harassing the victim in public, and other behaviors.
Abusive behavior may be more common than you realize – according to a 2020 report by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 34.9% of women and 31.1% of men in California will experience violence and/or stalking in their lifetimes.
Mariposa is taking steps to help break the cycle of domestic abuse in Orange County, and you can help too by learning to recognize abuse and supporting our efforts to stop it.
Understanding the Cycle of Domestic Abuse
A decade-long study of domestic abuse and violence in Orange County found that many victims don’t contact law enforcement because they fear that they won’t be believed, or they’re afraid of repercussions from their partner.
The prevalence of domestic abuse, combined with the shame and isolation that many victims feel, means that the trauma created by these situations often goes unaddressed.
Survivors of abuse who do not receive help or effectively heal may inadvertently choose another toxic relationship, or become abusive themselves later in life, falling back into the cycle of domestic abuse.
What To Do If You’re Abused or Suspect Abuse
In Orange County, if you (or someone you know) are the victim of abuse, we have resources available to help.
People anywhere in the United States can call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline (800-799-7233), which is available 24/7 for victims who need support.
Local to Orange County, CA, calling United Way (2-1-1) will connect you to a live information specialist who will provide confidential information and appropriate steps to take for your situation, including crisis intervention and emergency shelter.
If you think that someone you know is being abused, signs to look for include:
- Excuses for injuries
- Changes in personality, such as lowered confidence or a lack of self-esteem
- The need to constantly please and communicate with their partner
- Never having money on hand
- Avoiding work, school, or social outings for no clear reason
- Wearing concealing clothes out of season, like long sleeves in summer
These resources can also help you take steps to help someone in an abusive situation, including how to create a safety plan and whether or not law enforcement should get involved.
How Mariposa is Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse in Orange County
Removing yourself or your loved ones from abusive home lives is essential, but it’s only the first step on a long journey to recover from what you’ve gone through and reestablish your physical and mental health.
Mariposa provides innovative therapies and proprietary programs for overcoming domestic abuse trauma, as well as a full range of mental health and wellness services through partnerships with leading local organizations and clinical professionals.
“We are committed to stopping domestic violence in Orange County now, both for present victims and future generations that will suffer if this cycle is not broken. At Mariposa, we are committed to helping survivors heal and educating them so that these behaviors don’t continue.”
– Dr. Krista Driver, LMFT, President & CEO, Mariposa Women and Family Center
The caring staff at Mariposa includes licensed therapists that are committed to helping people in need by providing counseling services and support, because many of us have survived trauma ourselves.
Mariposa knows how important it is to guide individuals and families who have suffered to a better and healthier life because we have experienced that transformation firsthand.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse in Orange County, please contact Mariposa immediately or reach out to one of the resources above. We are committed to helping victims and their loved ones secure personal safety and well-being on their way to a healthy and stable life.
