Presenting a Three-Part Series on Understanding Domestic Violence
Part 1

A Massage Professional Can Be a Refuge, Offering a Safe Place

It’s Personal for the victim to let someone they trust see the bruises on their body and soul.

Every nine seconds, a woman is assaulted or beaten in the U.S. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury for women worldwide. 1 in every 3 women has been physically abused or beaten, often by a member of her own family.

Why Do Women Stay? Why Doesn’t She Just Leave?

These are usually the first two questions asked by the outside world when they hear that a woman is in an abusive relationship or violent situation. However, there are so many complex dynamics and obstacles preventing them from leaving.

A Massage Professional Can Be a Refuge, Offering a Safe Place

“I would never let this happen to me”, we convince ourselves. I can speak to you from personal experience as a victim of child abuse into my teens and also as an adult young woman many years ago; It can happen to anyone.

As massage therapists, we are in a special position to be keenly aware of the unexplained bruises, body language, fear and sadness, which are just some of symptoms we may encounter. Each individual traumatic encounter will vary.

A Massage Professional Can Be a Refuge, Offering a Safe Place

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation and many times includes the threat and use of violence.

Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological as well as economic and sexual abuse. Abusers always use intimidation, verbal threats, isolation from family and friends and other behavior, such as stalking, to maintain power over their victims. It affects everyone regardless of race, age, income, social standing or sexual orientation.