Ask the expert: Understanding the realities of domestic violence

Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive public health and social issues in the United States. As awareness grows around different forms of abuse, from coercive control to digital harassment, it is important for communities to develop culturally informed prevention strategies, adopting early intervention methods and create avenues to provide survivor-centered care.

Hyunkag Cho is an associate professor and director of the doctoral program at Michigan State University’s School of Social Work at the College of Social Science. He studies the patterns, consequences and prevention of intimate partner and domestic violence. His research explores how race, culture and systemic barriers shape survivors’ experiences and how social workers and communities can better respond.

Here, Cho answers questions on common misconceptions about domestic violence, emerging challenges, and how we can all play a role in preventing violence and supporting survivors.

What are common misconceptions about domestic violence?

Domestic violence does not happen only to people in bad luck or by bad people — like meeting the wrong people, being in the wrong relationship or just being stressed out. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, race, age, income, religion and citizenship.

What challenges remain for addressing domestic violence?

A variety of domestic violence forms have been recognized recently in addition to physical and sexual domestic violence. Coercive control is a pattern of acts and behaviors that an abuser uses to take away your freedom and control your life, which includes continuous monitoring of the partner and control of the partner’s money. The use of technology such as cell phones and videos to harass and abuse the partner is also rapidly increasing. It is still challenging to measure domestic violence, as many survivors do not report and certain forms of domestic violence are not easy to measure. Racial, ethnic and gender minorities’ experiences of domestic violence are not studied well.

How can social workers support survivors and prevent violence?

Social workers help a variety of people, many of whom may suffer from domestic violence. Social workers need to be aware of signs of domestic violence and associated stigma to identify domestic violence and intervene and/or help as early as possible before it gets serious.

Are there particular risk factors or warning signs?

Controlling behaviors, physical aggression and sexual coercion can be behavioral warning signs from the abuser. Withdrawal from friends or families and unexplained injuries or absences can be warning signs from the survivor.

What resources are most helpful for survivors?

Hotlines, shelters, legal services and advocacy programs have been effective in helping survivors. Communities can help by making these resources visible, barrier-free and integrated into everyday systems, including training teachers, health care providers and employers to recognize domestic violence signs and provide help to survivors.

How does domestic violence intersect with other issues?

Domestic violence is not only a private or interpersonal issue but also a structural one, tightly linked with housing, poverty and child welfare systems. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women and children. Leaving an abusive relationship often means choosing between safety and financial survival. Children who witness domestic violence are at higher risk of emotional, behavioral and developmental problems.

What can friends, family members or colleagues do if they suspect someone they know is experiencing abuse?

If they recognize the signs of domestic violence, they can offer nonjudgmental support, avoiding blaming. They can listen and validate what survivors share with them. They can connect them to resources, while respecting survivors’ privacy and confidentiality.

For students or professionals entering the social work field, what advice would you give on working with survivors of domestic violence?

Be empathetic, respect survivors’ choices, stay culturally aware and care for your own well-being.