October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Prevent Abuse

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- As music videos and celebrity incidents continue to put domestic violence and its damaging effects in the spotlight, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) encourages all Californians to recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship this October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  

More than 2 million Americans are victims of domestic violence each year – a staggering number amounting to half the population of Los Angeles and almost five times the population of Sacramento. To help people better understand the long-lasting effects of domestic violence, TherapistFinder.com now features a short video podcast about domestic violence. Dr. Daniel Sonkin provides advice about how to identify warning signs of domestic violence early in a relationship and where to get help if you are a victim.

"Anywhere between 10 and 20 percent of all families experience some form of domestic violence," said Dr. Sonkin. "While the majority of cases are considered mild, even these mild cases can have lasting negative effects."

Domestic violence comes in a variety of forms, including physical, sexual and psychological violence. Victims of domestic violence often experience:

• Threats or actual physical harm
• Intimidation
• Keeping a partner from friends and family
• Name-calling
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job
• Talking down
• Withholding money

If you are a suffering from abuse or have witnessed abusive behavior of a family member, friend or colleague, it is important to break the silence. Both victims and abusers should seek professional help immediately.

A number of mental health issues, including anxiety, chronic depression and emotional sensitivity are often the result of domestic violence. If you or someone you love is a victim, it's important to get a check-up with a qualified therapist.  You can find a licensed California-based Marriage and Family Therapist at www.TherapistFinder.com.

About CAMFT

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the state's licensed and prelicensed Marriage and Family Therapists and the common interests of its 29,000 members.  CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a free resource for individuals looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California.  Marriage and Family Therapists treat a comprehensive range of issues including depression, anxiety, phobias/fears, elder and child issues, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress and severe mental illness.  For more information, visit www.camft.org or www.TherapistFinder.com.

SOURCE TherapistFinder.com; California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

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