Domestic violence can occur even in the best of families. In 2017 alone, law enforcement in New Mexico recorded 19,234 incidents of domestic violence. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, "domestic violence and abuse stem from a desire to gain and maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abusive people believe they have the right to control and restrict their partners, and they may enjoy the feeling that exerting power gives them. They often believe that their own feelings and needs should be the priority in their relationships, so they use abusive tactics to dismantle equality and make their partners feel less valuable and deserving of respect in the relationship.
 

Anyone can be abusive and anyone can be the victim of abuse. It happens regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race or economic background. If you are being abused by your partner, you may feel confused, afraid, angry and/or trapped. All of these emotions are normal responses to abuse. You might also blame yourself for what is happening. But, no matter what others might say, you are never responsible for your partner’s abusive actions. Being abusive is a choice. It’s a strategic behavior the abusive person uses to create their desired power dynamic. Regardless of the circumstances of the relationship or the pasts of either partner, no one ever deserves to be abused.

Please read the following article, on the USCCB website regarding domestic violence: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/domestic-violence/when-i-call-for-help.cfm

The Family Life Office offers domestic violence prevention workshops in both English and Spanish. Workshops include lessons and practice in:
 

• Healthy communications skills

• Conflict resolution skills

• Strategies for overcoming contributing factor, self-protection measures

• Prevention resources
   

To schedule a workshop at your parish, contact the Family Life Office at 505-831-8177.

If you are experiencing abuse at the hands of a spouse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233). Advocates are available to talk online Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.