Mayo Clinic addresses domestic violence

Janay Palmer and Ray Rice address the media (Credit AP)

The video of Ray Rice knocking out his fiancée Janay Palmer Rice has hopefully launched a nationwide conversation about domestic violence. The Mayo Clinic’s advice on this topic is a must-read for all those whose lives are touched by the nightmare of partner abuse and for the general public as well. We may not be in a domestic abuse situations ourselves, but we are responsible for pressuring the government, colleges and universities, and other organizations like the NFL to intervene on behalf of current victims.

From the Mayo Clinic Staff:

Domestic violence against women: Recognize patterns, seek help

Domestic violence is a serious threat for many women. Know the signs of an abusive relationship and how to leave a dangerous situation.
Your partner apologizes and says the hurtful behavior won't happen again — but you fear it will. At times you wonder whether you're imagining the abuse, yet the emotional or physical pain you feel is real. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing domestic violence.

Recognize domestic violence

Domestic violence — also called intimate partner violence — occurs between people in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can take many forms, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse and threats of abuse. Men are sometimes abused by partners, but domestic violence is most often directed toward women. Domestic violence can happen in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.

• Calls you names, insults you or puts you down
• Prevents or discourages you from going to work or school
• Prevents or discourages you from seeing family members or friends
• Tries to control how you spend money, where you go, what medicines you take or what you wear
• Acts jealous or possessive or constantly accuses you of being unfaithful
• Gets angry when drinking alcohol or using drugs
• Threatens you with violence or a weapon
• Hits, kicks, shoves, slaps, chokes or otherwise hurts you, your children or your pets
• Forces you to have sex or engage in sexual acts against your will
• Blames you for his or her violent behavior or tells you that you deserve it

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