Verbal Abuse Is Form Of Domestic Violence, Expert Says
It’s a shocking phone conversation that just seems to never end. Gaining interest from not only the tabloids and entertainment shows, but domestic violence experts as well.
Verbal abuse is a serious issue not many talk about and even fewer report. Domestic violence experts said if a person threatens your life, the abuse can escalate into a dangerous situation.
“If they’re not respecting you, the best bet is to get out of the relationship,” said Cesar Campa, spokesman for The Center Against Family Violence.
He explained, for the aggressor it’s all about power and control. He said it can happen at any age.
“When someone’s putting you down, telling you that you’re fat, telling you that you’re worthless,” explained Campa.
He told ABC-7 90 percent of verbal abuse escalates to physical abuse.
“You don’t have to wait until you’ve already been hit, or you’ve already been beaten and you’re already on your way to the hospital. If you are in eminent danger, if you feel that they have been threatening you, they’re harassing you and you feel like, ‘Yes, something is definitely going to happen,’ you can get help,” Campa said.
El Paso police officials said it’s never wrong to call authorities if a person’s life is threatened.
Like those shocking words released by a celebrity news website. “I’ll threaten. I’ll put you in a f—ing rose garden, you c—t,” said the man.
Radar Online is claiming it’s part of a phone argument between actor Mel Gibson and his now ex-girlfriend.
“You can see how far he’s escalated, you can tell that this is something, this isn’t something he just lost his temper this one time and is going off on for a long time,” Campa reacted to the recording.
He said it’s a typical reaction from an aggressor.
“If they’re not giving you respect, then more often than not, it will lead to physical violence,” Campa explained.
The Center Against Family Violence has a program that teaches aggressors how to have a healthy relationship.
For more information, or if you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship call the center’s 24-hour hotline at 915-593-7300.
Related Links:Link:El Paso Center Against Family ViolenceLink:CDC Intimate Partner Violence WebpageLink:Mel Gibson’s Alleged Rants; Discretion Is Advised
