When Ties Break: Thriving After Loss

A web site hosted by Margaret Norton devoted to
creating abuse and domestic violence awareness.

What is Abuse?

Abuse is defined as misuse, mistreat, attack with words, improper use, or course and insulting speech. Abuse can take many forms – child abuse, sibling abuse, animal abuse, elder abuse, rape, domestic violence, drug abuse, human rights abuse, and Internet abuse.


Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to mistreatment in personal relationships. It can be physical, verbal, sexual, financial or emotional.


Recognizing Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is often hard to recognize for a variety of reasons, too numerous to name here. Usually there are symptoms and warnings signs in the relationship. But we are often reluctant to get involved or we don’t know what to do.


Effects of Domestic Violence

The effects of domestic violence are many and often last for years beyond the actual abuse. The abused person struggles with insecurity, poor self-esteem, withdrawal, and difficulty forming lasting relationships. Extreme cases can lead to alcohol or drug abuse and even suicide.


Webster's Definition of Abuse

Webster defines abuse as misuse, mistreat, attack with words, improper use, or course and insulting speech. Abuse is more prevalent than we would like to admit.


Control and Anger

It is sometimes hard to recognize or admit abuse. An abuser usually has problems with control and anger. But they don't see their behavior as being abusive.


Be very careful if you make a WOMAN CRY
because God counts her tears.
The woman came out of a man's ribs.
Not from his feet to be walked on ...
Not from his head to be superior ...
But from his side to be equal,

under his arm to be protected, and
next to his heart to be loved.

Hebrew Talmud