Our therapists offer domestic violence therapy in Columbia, SC

Domestic Violence Counseling – Support for Victims of Domestic Violence in Columbia, SC

Escaping from a violent relationship is not as it seems. Victims often need support of their family and friends as well as a professional’s guidance.

The Thriveworks Domestic Violence Counselors Columbia, SC understand the dangers and pitfalls of living with domestic violence, as well as in leaving it. We know what victims need to find safety and recover from the abuse. Reach out today for help: (803) 477-3736

The Cycle of Domestic Abuse

Each relationship has unique and particular circumstances, but violent relationships usually follow a recurring cycle:

The Honeymoon Phase: This is a time of peace that often begins relationships and follows the abuse. It is also one of the reasons domestic violence can be so disorienting for victims—the relationship is rarely bad all of the time.

The Tension Building Phase: The peace of the honeymoon phase inevitably gives way to tension. During this time, the victim usually begins walking on egg shells. They may try to appease the violent partner, shield the violent partner from stress, or give into erratic demands—in an attempt to diffuse the tension and avoid the abuse.

The Abusive Phase: Harming another person is always a choice, and the violent partner at some point makes the choice to harm. The abuse may be physical, verbal, and/or sexual. Abuse is never a victim’s fault, and these forms of abuse are also illegal.

This cycle may last for years, months, days, hours, or even just a few minutes. The cycle usually escalates with each reiteration more violent than the previous, and it usually takes significant intervention to stop it.

Warning Signs of a Violent Relationship

Violent relationships often begin with small, controlling actions that escalate. When one partner tries to manipulate or dominate what the other feels, does, says, wears, and thinks, it is not a healthy relationship and may even be a sign of a violent relationship.

Warning signs of domestic violence include…

• Calling you demeaning names
• Subtly putting you down
• Threatening or scaring you
• Showing annoyance when you spend time with friends or family
• Trying to take away your agency (i.e., the ability to make decisions—such as how to spend money, where to go, what to wear, and more
• Deterring you from working or going to school
• Blaming you or other people for their behavior
• Harming you, your kids, or your pets
• Coercing you into sex or sexual acts that feel uncomfortable to you
• Have you experienced any treatment like this from your partner? If yes, know that the behaviors on this list are not healthy or normal behaviors for a relationship. They may also signify a more serious problem: domestic violence. If you partner is violent or exhibiting controlling behaviors, know that there is help available.

Scheduling Counseling for Domestic Abuse Victims

The counselors at Thriveworks Columbia have helped many domestic abuse victims understand what is happening to them. We know the dangers they face and the pitfalls of leaving. We have guided many clients to safety and want to provide you with the support you need.

Is your partner harming you? Are you scared of your partner? It may be time to reach out for help. Call Thriveworks Columbia, SC to make an appointment. It may be your first step toward safety and a better tomorrow. (803) 477-3736. We offer our clients evening and weekend session options, provide same-week sessions, accept most major insurances, and offer additional benefits.