WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- For many victims of domestic violence, the terrible reality of abuse can lead to a feeling of isolation. Finding help may be even more difficult for men and women with language or cultural barriers.
Priya Kulkarni and Lakshmi Aiyappa of ASHA for Women, a non-profit domestic violence prevention organization in DC, talked to us about the signs of domestic abuse, how to get help and ASHA's upcoming gala. (see the interview above)
Signs of domestic abuse include:
Physical abuse: pushing, kicking, slapping, hitting.
Emotional abuse: put downs, mind games, humiliation, name-calling and insults in public and/or in private.
Coercion or threats: threatening to hurt or take away children, or using citizenship or residency privileges against you.
Sexual violence: forcing an unwilling partner or spouse to have sex.
Economic abuse: denying access to family bank account or employment.
Isolation: denying free access to family, friends, and/or education
The ASHA for Women Annual Gala is September 15 at George Mason University. Tickets are $85 per person. Find more information at www.ashaforwomen.org.