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Understanding Domestic Violence, Trafficking, and Corruption

FAQs

Common DV Questions

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and controlling behavior which can include physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and/or financial abuse. While some abusers can have complete control over a victim without use of violence, all types of abuse traumatize the victims. Many times, abusive partners make it extremely difficult for their victims to escape, leaving survivors to suffer in silence.

Domestic violence is a serious crime, often involving multiple felony offenses that are life-threatening, and plagues our nation and the World.

There are thousands of victims every day, and domestic violence doesn't care about age, race, religion, education, or sexual orientation. It affects millions.

If you're a victim of abuse, please know, it's NOT your fault, you are NOT alone, and you CAN break the cycle.

Unfortunately, the way the cycle of abuse works, it's hard to get safe and stay safe, and our broken system is limited with the help provided.

Most abusive partners use tactics of manipulation and coersion to get their victims isolated and in their full control. Many abusers terrorize their victims with threats against them and/or loved ones, making it scary for a victim to leave. Abusers who use "gaslighting" can confuse their victims, making them feel like the abuse is their fault.

Many survivors say they only want to end the abuse, not the relationship, and some stay/return because of promises abusers make to change. Abusers almost never change, and many times, the abuse becomes more severe, violent, and dangerous.

According to the Portland WomenStrength Program found at portlandoregon.gov, these are warning signs of an Abusive Person:

 
1. Jealousy and Possessiveness. Wants to be with you constantly. Accuses you of cheating all the time. Follows you around and frequently calls. Asks friends to check up on you.
 
2. Controlling Behavior. Constantly questions who you spend your time with, what you did/wore/said, where you went. Makes you ask permission to do certain things. Acts like you don’t have the ability to make good decisions. Hides controlling behavior by pretending to be concerned for your safety.
 
3. Quick Involvement. Six months or less before living together or engaged. Claims love at first sight. Pressure for commitment. Says you are the only one who can make him feel this way.
 
4. Unrealistic Expectations. Compliments you in a way that makes you seems superhuman. Over-flattering. Expects you to be perfect. Says, "I am all you need. You are all I need."
 
5. Isolation. Puts down everyone you know- friends are either stupid, slutty, or you are cheating with them- family is too controlling, doesn’t really love you, or you are too dependent on them. Refuses to let you use car or talk on phone. Makes it difficult for you to go to work or school. Tries to cut off all your resources.
 
6. Blames Others for Problems. If there are problems at school or work, it is always someone else’s fault. If anything goes wrong in the relationship, it is all your fault. Won’t take responsibility for own behavior.
 
7. Blames Others for Feelings. Tries to make you responsible for how they feel. "You’re making me mad." "You’re hurting me by not doing what I ask." "I can’t help being angry." Won’t take responsibility for own feelings.
 
8. Hypersensitivity. Easily insulted. Sees everything as a personal attack. Looks for fights. Blows things out of proportion. Unpredictable. You can never tell what will upset him.
 
9. Disrespectful or Cruel to Others. Punishes animals or children cruelly. Insensitive to pain and suffering. Teases children until they cry. Doesn’t treat others with respect. Dismissive of others’ feelings.
 
10. "Playful" Use of Force During Sexual Activity. Little concern over whether you want sex or not, and uses sulking or anger to manipulate you into compliance. Makes sexual or degrading jokes about you.
 
11. Verbal Abuse of Any Kind.
 
12. Rigid Sex Roles. Believes women are inferior to men. Unable to be a whole person without a relationship.
 
13. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Sudden mood changes- like they have two personalities. One minute nice, next minute exploding. One minute happy, next minute sad.
 
14. Past Battering. You may hear the person was abusive to someone else. They say it’s a lie, or their ex was "crazy," or it wasn’t that bad.
 
15. Threats of Any Kind.
 
16. Breaking or Striking Objects. Breaks loved possessions. Beats on table with fists. Throws objects.
 
17. Any Force During an Argument. Pushes, shoves, or physically restrains you from leaving room.
 
18. Doesn’t Respect Your Property or Privacy.

The Mend Project does an excellent job explaining common traits of an abuser as well as how the cycle of abuse works. You can find that at Trauma Bonding Explained: Signs and How to Break the Bond. 

Anyone who truly wants to change can, but most abusers don't, mainly because many abusers are narcissists who don't think they need help. It's not easy to change and requires a serious commitment. Change for an abuser would require relinquishing power and control, which is exactly what abusers thrive on. Expert help from a specialty trained facility could give an abuser hope of change, but only if they truly wanted change and took the steps necessary to create that change. Unfortunately, this is rare, and research I've conducted reflects extremely poor results.

Absolutely. Stereotyping abusers/victims is wrong and dangerous. This discrimination makes victims less likely to come forward about their abuse or to seek help. Domestic violence doesn't discriminate.

In an article on Forbes, they report that "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the financial impact of domestic violence ranges from individual to societal. In fact, they say the lifetime economic cost associated with medical services, lost productivity from paid work, criminal justice, and other costs, was $3.6 trillion. The cost of domestic violence over a victim’s lifetime was $103,767 for women and $23,414 for men." These costs come from medical, disrupted education & ability to work, workplace sexual harassment in addition to the partner abuse, financial abuse & damaging credit, & reproductive coercion.

Case Western University describes how the US Government spends more than $55 Billion each year on the effect of childhood exposure to domestic violence. For more information on this, iwpr.org has a publication with a detailed report on The Economic Cost of Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking.

Speak out! Host an event or fundraiser for a your local advocates. Sign/create petitions or contact you public officials to encourage change. NNEDV.org has a link to learn more or take action here.

Search online for events that support domestic violence prevention. Call your local advocates and ask if you can do anything to help or make a donation.

NNEDV.org has a guide to help with conversations involving dv, “10 Tips to Have Informed Conversation about Domestic Violence” as well as a  Get Involved Toolkit with creative ways you can get involved in your community.

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Faq

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficking can take many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, child exploitation, and even organ harvesting. It often preys on the most vulnerable populations, exploiting economic hardships, lack of education, or social vulnerabilities. Traffickers use deceptive promises of jobs, education, or relationships to lure victims into exploitative situations.

  • Sex Trafficking: Victims are coerced or forced into commercial sexual exploitation. This includes activities such as prostitution, pornography, or escort services.
  • Labor Trafficking: Victims are forced to work in exploitative conditions, such as factories, farms, or domestic servitude, often under the threat of violence.
  • Child Trafficking: Children are exploited for illegal activities like forced labor, sexual exploitation, or use as child soldiers.
  • Organ Trafficking: Traffickers force or deceive victims into giving up organs, which are sold illegally for transplantation.
  • Forced Marriage: Individuals, particularly women and girls, are coerced into marriage, often for financial gain or cultural customs.
  • Trafficking for Criminal Activity: Victims are forced to participate in illegal activities, such as drug smuggling or theft.
  • Debt Bondage: Traffickers exploit individuals by forcing them to work off debts that are often fabricated or impossible to repay.

Human trafficking is a global epidemic:

  1. Over 25 million people worldwide are victims of trafficking at any given time.
  2. 5 million of these are trapped in forced sexual exploitation.
  3. Women and girls make up 71% of all trafficking victims, with children accounting for nearly 25%.
  4. Labor trafficking accounts for 64% of cases globally.
  5. Human trafficking generates over $150 billion annually in illegal profits.
  6. The United States is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking, with cases reported in all 50 states.
  7. Trafficking often thrives in regions experiencing conflict, poverty, or weak law enforcement.

Traffickers use sophisticated and manipulative tactics to recruit victims:

  1. False Job Offers: Promising lucrative jobs abroad or in urban centers.
  2. Romance Scams: Pretending to form romantic relationships to lure victims.
  3. Abduction: Directly kidnapping individuals.
  4. Debt Manipulation: Exploiting individuals who are financially vulnerable.
  5. Promises of Education: Offering scholarships or schooling to children in impoverished areas.
  6. Use of Social Media: Identifying and grooming victims online, especially targeting youth.
  7. Exploitation of Refugees or Immigrants: Targeting individuals fleeing crises who lack legal protections.

Identifying trafficking victims can save lives. Look for:

  1. Physical Indicators: Unexplained injuries, signs of physical abuse, or malnourishment.
  2. Behavioral Signs: Fearfulness, anxiety, or signs of being controlled by another person.
  3. Lack of Freedom: Restricted movement or someone else holding personal identification documents.
  4. Work Conditions: Individuals working excessively long hours with little or no pay.
  5. Living Conditions: Victims living in overcrowded or unsafe environments.
  6. Unusual Travel Patterns: Constant movement to different cities or locations.
  7. Language or Communication Barriers: Difficulty speaking for themselves or appearing coached when communicating.

The trauma of trafficking has lasting consequences:

  1. Physical Health: Victims often suffer injuries, malnutrition, and untreated illnesses.
  2. Mental Health: Conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are common.
  3. Social Isolation: Traffickers cut off victims from friends and family, leaving them isolated and dependent.
  4. Economic Exploitation: Trafficking often leaves survivors with crippling debt or no financial independence.
  5. Legal Vulnerability: Victims may face criminal charges for actions they were coerced into performing.
  6. Stigma: Survivors often face judgment or disbelief, further hindering recovery.
  7. Intergenerational Effects: Children born to trafficking victims may inherit trauma and instability.

Combatting trafficking requires action:

  1. Educate Yourself and Others: Understand the issue and share knowledge within your community.
  2. Report Suspicious Activity: Contact local authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888).
  3. Support Survivors: Donate to or volunteer with organizations providing direct services to victims.
  4. Advocate for Policy Change: Push for stronger laws and enforcement against trafficking.
  5. Buy Responsibly: Avoid supporting companies that exploit labor.
  6. Volunteer Locally: Work with shelters, advocacy groups, or education programs.
  7. Donate to Anti-Trafficking Organizations: Contribute to the fight by supporting groups like Humanity Against Violence.

Faq

Corruption

Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for personal gain. It undermines trust, weakens institutions, and perpetuates inequality. In systems like CPS, family courts, and law enforcement, corruption often manifests as favoritism, bribery, or manipulation of processes, disproportionately harming vulnerable populations. It erodes the credibility of the very systems meant to protect and serve, leaving survivors and families without the support they deserve.

  • Bribery: Offering or accepting gifts, money, or favors to influence decisions or actions.
  • Nepotism: Favoring relatives or friends for jobs or benefits, bypassing merit.
  • Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds for personal use, often depriving resources from their intended beneficiaries.
  • Falsification of Records: Altering or fabricating documents to cover up wrongdoing or manipulate outcomes.
  • Judicial Bias: Judges showing favoritism due to personal relationships or external pressure.
  • Case Mismanagement: Deliberate mishandling of cases to delay justice or favor one party.
  • Conflict of Interest: Individuals making decisions where personal interests compromise their impartiality.

Corruption has far-reaching consequences, including:

  1. Erosion of Trust: Victims lose faith in public institutions, such as courts, CPS, and law enforcement.
  2. Denied Justice: Survivors of domestic violence or trafficking face unjust rulings or ignored cases.
  3. Increased Vulnerability: Corruption disproportionately affects marginalized groups, compounding their struggles.
  4. Resource Misallocation: Funds meant for survivor support or systemic reform are diverted for personal gain.
  5. Perpetuation of Abuse: Abusers exploit corrupt systems to maintain power and control over victims.
  6. Economic Costs: Corruption undermines economic growth and increases poverty by diverting public resources.
  7. Social Inequality: Corruption exacerbates existing inequalities, leaving vulnerable populations unprotected.
  • False Reports: CPS workers fabricating or altering reports to justify child removals or close cases improperly.
  • Unnecessary Removals: Children being removed from safe homes due to systemic pressure or personal agendas.
  • Incentive-Driven Decisions: Financial incentives for adoptions leading to biased case handling.
  • Lack of Accountability: Minimal oversight allows CPS workers to act with impunity.
  • Bias in Placements: Favoritism in foster placements, often disregarding what’s best for the child.
  • Ignored Evidence: Key evidence provided by parents or guardians is dismissed without review.
  • Overburdened Workers: High caseloads contribute to neglecting due process and ethical standards.
  • Judicial Favoritism: Judges showing bias due to relationships, financial incentives, or personal beliefs.
  • Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Misconduct: GALs failing to represent the child’s best interests or being influenced by external parties.
  • Misuse of Power: Judges or attorneys leveraging their authority to intimidate or coerce participants.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Legal professionals prioritizing personal or financial gain over justice.
  • Prolonged Cases: Deliberate delays to increase legal fees or pressure parties into settlements.
  • Bias Against Survivors: Courts sometimes discredit survivors of domestic violence, favoring the abuser in custody disputes.
  • Unethical Recommendations: Professionals recommending unsafe arrangements due to bias or negligence.

  • Signs of corruption in CPS, courts, or law enforcement include:

    1. Unexplained Delays: Cases stalled without clear justification.
    2. Discrepancies in Documentation: Records missing, altered, or inconsistent with facts.
    3. Unequal Treatment: One party consistently favored without objective reasoning.
    4. Financial Incentives: Professionals profiting from placements, rulings, or outcomes.
    5. Lack of Transparency: Decisions made without explanation or public accountability.
    6. Ignoring Evidence: Crucial evidence overlooked or dismissed.
    7. Intimidation Tactics: Officials using threats or coercion to manipulate outcomes.
    • Educate Yourself: Understand your rights and how the system is meant to operate.
    • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions, documents, and evidence.
    • Report Misconduct: File complaints with oversight agencies or ethics boards when corruption is suspected.
    • Seek Legal Support: Consult attorneys experienced in challenging systemic corruption.
    • Advocate for Reform: Support organizations pushing for transparency and accountability in public systems.
    • Raise Awareness: Share your experiences to highlight systemic issues and encourage collective action.
    • Support Anti-Corruption Legislation: Advocate for policies that increase oversight, transparency, and accountability.

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