October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), physical, sexual and psychological violence and emotional abuse are forms of domestic violence. Statistics about physical and sexual violence are more readily available than psychological violence and emotional abuse in part because it is easier to see injuries from physical and sexual violence. According to NCADV, "48.4% of women and 48.8% of men have experienced at least one psychologically aggressive behavior by an intimate partner."

Invisible bruises left by psychological and emotional abuse run just as deep and can be just as harmful. Domestic violence, including violence that leaves invisible bruises often occur in repeated cycles with 3 main phases: Honeymoon, Tension and Explosion (do a search for images that show the cycle of violence).  Examples of psychological violence and emotional abuse include, but are not limited to:

•  Name calling 

• Controlling behavior

• Belittling & demeaning language

• Threatening language & behavior

• Aggressive & intimidating behavior

• Coercion & manipulation

• Humiliation

Organizations and resources are available for victims, survivors, perpetrators and families and loved ones affected by Domestic Violence including emotional and psychological abuse. Change can happen.  

Futures Without Violence offers webinars, manuals, blogs and more with the goal to end violence. Resources are often free or come with a nominal fee. Sample topics include father's and men preventing violence, elder and child abuse prevention, sexual assault and harassment prevention, human trafficking, survivors, recovery and healing.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers crisis intervention and support for families and loved ones of victims and perpetrators of violence. Call 800.799.7233 or 800.787.3224 (TTY). Online chat is also available from their homepage. Spanish and English.

Los Angeles LGBT Center offers resources for survivors, abusers and friends who are concerned for friends. If you live in the LA area, they offer sliding scale service fees.

metoo. "You are not alone." The 'me too.' movement started over 10 years ago to help survivors of sexual violence, particularly Black women and girls, and other women of color from low income communities.