UCCS Police talk about warning signs of domestic violence and resources on campus for those who need help during a recent #SafetyTipTuesday video in honor of October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“Domestic violence is behavior used by one person in a relationship to control the other – that could be anything from physical battery, sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse,” said Lisa Dipzinski, sergeant, UCCS Police.
Dipzinski explains warning signs of an unhealthy relationship in the video:
- Feeling unsafe with your partner
- Controlling behavior
- Unfound jealousy
- Volatile temper
- Constant criticism
- Giving orders
- One minute they’re fine, the next they blow up
- Isolating you from family and friends
- Blaming others
- Physical act of pushing, shoving, kicking, hitting, slapping
- Financial dependency (control over one account)
“It’s about them controlling every aspect of your life,” Dipzinski said. “It will start out very subtle and get worse and worse and worse overtime.”
Dipzinksi said that if you see this in a friend or family member, say something and try to get them help. They may not know that they have someone that can support them.
“On average, it usually takes seven times before someone will leave the abuser, it takes a long time to build confidence to get away, and they may have to move their money, home, kids and find a safe place to be,” Dipzinski said. “When you’re helping that friend, just remember that it takes time for them to do it, so still be there friend and give them a source of support.”
Support across campus include:
- Gallogly Recreation and Wellness Center
- Respect on Campus
- Faculty
- Staff
- UCCS Police Department
- Friends or family
Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV) is a non-profit that partners with Respect on Campus and provides a nationwide network on resources and support for survivors and families affected by domestic violence. They have a survivor help line (855) 287-1777 for those in need of support.
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