By La Tanyua Brown-Thompson, NAMI Contra Costa Board of Directors President
Abuse Doesn’t Always Happen at Home.
When we hear the words domestic violence, we often think of home, a spouse, partner, or family member. But domestic describes the type of relationship, not where it happens.
Abuse is about power and control, and it can happen anywhere.
The most common forms of abuse are physical, emotional or psychological, verbal, sexual, and financial or economic. And while physical abuse may leave visible scars, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as painful, eroding a person’s confidence, self-worth, and sense of safety over time.
Too often, from a place of judgment, we might say someone “isn’t ready to leave.” But that’s not always true. Many times, it’s not that they don’t want to leave, it’s that they don’t know how. When you’ve been silenced, isolated, or made to feel powerless, even taking the first step can feel impossible.
Abuse doesn’t stop because we work harder, love more, or stay silent. It stops when we recognize it and take steps to protect ourselves.
If this resonates with you, please know: you are not alone.
Reach out for help, seek professional support, and surround yourself with people who will listen and believe you. Healing begins when you decide you deserve peace, safety, and freedom.