Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Sara Dobbyn, Turning Point; sdobbyn@turningpointmacomb.org; 586.463.4430 x240
Mount Clemens, Mich. – October 28, 2022 – Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower domestic and sexual violence survivors through comprehensive services and resources, continues to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) throughout October. As part of DVAM, Turning Point’s Senior Program and Education Director Sara Dobbyn is using the month to highlight common characteristics of people who batter.
“People who perpetrate domestic or sexual violence are always motivated by the desire or intent to control another person, limiting or eliminating a partner’s freedom and independence,” Dobbyn said.
Dobbyn notes common characteristics of people who abuse from the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
- Telling a partner that they can never do anything right.
- Preventing or discouraging a partner from spending time with friends, family members, or peers, or exhibiting extreme jealousy when they do.
- Pressuring a partner to use drugs or alcohol.
- Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking a partner’s money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
- Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
An abusive partner is not to be confused with the commonly referenced ‘toxic’ relationship, as such relationships generally center around continual bickering or arguments and a general failure to get along, rather than the power and control tactics exhibited by a perpetrator of domestic violence.
“In a toxic relationship, two people are unable to have a healthy relationship – and that inability is exhibited through unacceptable behaviors. But toxic relationships are not about control, which is the distinguishing factor in domestic violence.”
For those experiencing domestic violence, or know someone who is, Turning Point provides a 24-hour year-round hotline with advocates ready to answer the call for survivors, loved ones, and professionals. Through the hotline, survivors can explore resources including Emergency Shelter and connect with Turning Point’s Forensic Nurse & Advocacy Program. Loved ones and professionals can call if they have questions or concerns regarding domestic violence or sexual abuse. The hotline number is 586-463-6990 and is open to anyone to call.
About Turning Point
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors, their loved ones, and the community. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy/counseling, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, forensic nurse exams, first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. Second Hand Rose, another Turning Point service, provides survivors with gently used items while providing an opportunity for the community to donate and shop. Serving Metro Detroit for more than 40 years, Turning Point has helped over 100,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.