By JANIE LACY MENTAL WELLNESS October’s purple ribbon symbolizes hope for millions affected by domestic violence worldwide. As a trauma therapist, I’ve witnessed both the devastating impact of abuse and the remarkable resilience of survivors. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s illuminate the shadows where abuse thrives and create pathways to healing. THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC Domestic violence crosses all boundaries—cultural, economic, and geographic. The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced intimate partner violence. Men also experience abuse, often in silence due to stigma. Behind these statistics are real people: your neighbor, your colleague, perhaps someone reading this now. What makes domestic violence particularly insidious is its invisibility. Physical bruises can be hidden, but even more concealed are psychological wounds—the systematic erosion of self-worth, constant hypervigilance, and gradual acceptance that this is what love looks like. BEYOND PHYSICAL VIOLENCE Abuse manifests in multiple forms beyond physical violence. Emotional abuse involves constant criticism and threats that destroy self-esteem. Financial abuse creates dependency through controlling money and preventing employment. Digital abuse uses technology to stalk and monitor. Coercive control employs isolation and intimidation—invisible chains that can be the most difficult to break. WHY LEAVING ISN’T SIMPLE “Why don’t they just leave?” reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of trauma’s impact on the brain. When repeatedly exposed to danger, our nervous system adapts for survival, not escape. The prefrontal cortex— responsible for decision-making—goes offline. Survivors aren’t choosing to stay; they’re neurologically wired for survival. Add practical barriers—financial dependence, children, immigration status, or threats of increased violence— and leaving becomes a complex calculation. On average, survivors attempt to leave seven times before succeeding permanently. RECOGNIZING WARNING SIGNS Abuse often begins subtly, masked as intense romance. Warning signs include extreme jealousy, isolation from loved ones, explosive anger, and...... Read more on Full Issue!