Encouraging Domestic Violence Quotes To Empower Survivors

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated October 10, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include abuse which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Often, those who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence might feel alone or trapped in their situation. For some, it can be challenging to recognize actions as domestic violence—which can complicate one’s vision of a happy, calm and safe experience in one’s relationships. 

What’s the benefit of reading domestic violence quotes?

Domestic violence can affect anyone of any age and any gender. Reading about the many types of people who have survived domestic violence and have moved on to joyful, fulfilling lives might give someone experiencing those challenges comfort about past experiences, or encouragement to find a safe way out. Supportive strategies and advocates (such as a licensed therapist) can also help with this process. 

Read on to view some of the best quotes to support those who have survived or who may be currently surviving an abusive or violent experience. 

Support for domestic violence is available

Finding comfort and support through domestic violence quotes

When you're in an unhealthy relationship, whether it's with your partner, parent, or anyone in your household, you might feel as if you don’t remember what life can be like when the people in your life respect healthy boundaries. If you’re surviving an abusive situation, or you have in the past, acknowledging it may help you move toward an action plan to get the healthy and joyful life you deserve. Consider these domestic violence quotes – you can keep them with you, even if it’s only in your mind, for support:

Domestic violence quotes defining domestic abuse

  • "Domestic violence is any behavior involving physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or verbal abuse. It is any form of aggression intended to hurt, damage or kill an intimate person."-Asa Don Brown
  • “Emotional abuse is any type of abuse that is not physical in nature. It can include everything from verbal abuse to silent treatment, domination to subtle manipulation."-Beverly Engel
  • "Another way a person shows they are trustworthy is when their words and behavior match up. For example, if someone says they love you, and then they act abusively toward you, their words and actions don't match. When you love someone, you do not abuse them."-The National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • "It's not always easy to tell at the beginning of a relationship if it will become abusive."-The National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • If these quotes seem to describe your relationship, we want to encourage you: There can be resources made available to you.

Domestic violence quotes to validate survivors’ experiences

  • "Believe in yourself and be proud of who you are. Don't let anyone tell you differently. There is beauty in everyone, and no one should stop you from growing into a confident and strong young person."-June Sarpong
  • "If the numbers we see in domestic violence were applied to terrorism or gang violence, the entire country would be up in arms, and it would be the lead story on the news every night."-Representative Mark Green
  • "You can recognize survivors of abuse by their courage."-Jeanne McElvaney, "Healing Insights: Effects of Abuse for Adults Abused as Children"
  • "By publicly speaking out against domestic violence, together we can challenge attitudes toward violence in the home and show that domestic violence is a crime and not merely unacceptable."-Honor Blackman

Domestic violence quotes to gain perspective

We do want to note that while domestic violence campaigns and quotes may be written with those who identify as women in mind, many people of any gender, orientation, and age might find themselves in unsafe or unhealthy situations. Domestic violence can look different in different situations, including across cultures. Understanding the range of experiences that many may have survived (or are currently surviving) can lead to a more empathetic and supportive society. 

"Domestic violence does not only happen to adults. Forty percent of girls aged 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend, and approximately one in five female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner." -Dianne Feinstein

  • Has he ever trapped you in a room and not let you out?
  • Has he ever raised a fist as if he were going to hit you?
  • Has he ever thrown an object that hit you or nearly did?
  • Has he ever held you down or grabbed you to restrain you?
  • Has he ever shoved, poked, or grabbed you?
  • Has he ever threatened to hurt you?
  • If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then we can stop wondering whether he'll ever be violent; he already has been."-Lundy Bancroft

Understanding domestic violence

Some might describe abusive relationships as following a cycle. However, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the "cycle of abuse" can make domestic violence sound predictable when it rarely is. Many experts believe that the Power and Control Wheel from the Duluth model may be a more accurate way of describing abuse. 

Tactics used in domestic abuse

The Power and Control Wheel is thought by many to list many of the more common tactics used by an abuser to maintain control in a domestic violence situation. While no diagram is generally likely to summarize the complexities of all domestic violence, the following tactics may be helpful when examining abusive behavior:

  • Evaluating the role of privilege throughout the situational context
  • Evaluating the possibility of economic abuse
  • Evaluating the possibility of child exploitation 
  • Considering the presence or absence of instances where coercion and threats were used 
  • Considering the presence or absence of instances where intimidation was used
  • Considering the presence or absence of instances where emotional abuse occurred
  • Considering the presence or absence of instances where isolation-related abuse occurred
  • Considering the presence or absence of instances where minimizing, denying and blaming occurred

According to the Duluth Model, the more subtle behaviors listed above are thought by many to possibly allow the abuser to maintain power and control in the relationship. Additionally, they may reinforce the regular use of these behaviors in tandem with violence. 

Considering your options?

When you can see the possible range of domestic violence and its components, it can be easier to recognize if it’s happening to you—and it may also support your decision to leave, if you are able to. 

If any of this information describes your situation, you may benefit by reaching out for help if it’s safe for you to do so. There can be help and resources available for you that can connect you to a more fulfilling and safer experience. 

Support for domestic violence is available

Online therapy for domestic violence survivors

Talking to a therapist can support you in validating your experience, which may help you determine your next few steps. 

Finding convenient support

Those surviving a relationship that incorporates elements of domestic violence may find it difficult to safely leave the home, especially to seek therapy or external support. Online therapy can provide a more convenient, discreet form of support to those who deem it safe to try for their specific needs.  

Does online therapy work? 

While many may appreciate the benefits that they can gain from pursuing an online therapy program, others may be questioning its efficacy—as it does look different from an in-person treatment model.  

What does the research say?

Many recent studies have come forward affirming the efficacy of online therapy, with many explaining that it can be a safe and flexible alternative to in-person methods; offering comparable benefits to many patients experiencing a range of mental health conditions. 

Effectiveness of online therapy for survivors

A study published in Internet Interventions indicated that online therapy may be a comparable effective modality for those surviving domestic or intimate partner violence. After the test subjects underwent a number of online therapy sessions, nearly half of the group reported a reduction in PTSD symptoms that indicated that they were in a state of clinical remission. More participants (54%) showed reliable improvement, and 65% of participants found significant relief from depression—which can co-occur in many survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence.  

Takeaway

Domestic violence can seem overwhelming to experience. Finding time and space to meet with a counselor can be challenging, especially if you believe that you might be at risk if you seek outside support. BetterHelp offers online services that can include discreet phone, video, live chatting, and messaging functions, possibly supporting you in finding resources to help you determine your next right step. Connect online for more information and to get started today.
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