Orlando Therapist on Domestic Violence | O.J. Simpson’s Death

O.J. Simpson was a football star and Hollywood actor who recently passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer. His death has stirred up mixed emotions that have impacted many conversations surrounding domestic violence. His ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson was brutally murdered along with her friend Ron Goldman in 1994 and during the investigations painful details emerged surrounding the abuse Nicole encountered at the hands of O.J. Simpson. O.J. public persona was so mild mannered and caring as a famous athlete who others loved and respected the thought of him abusing Nicole was silenced as a result.

Today, victims now and then hide their abuse out of fear they will not be protected, and perpetuating the myth that abuse only happens to marginalized women. It is so sad that O.J. Simpson’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the tragic events of the death of Nicole Simpson.

Nearly 30 years ago, women rights advocated to pass the 1994 Violence Against Women Act but domestic violence was still a topic that was not being addressed. After the death of Nicole Simpson, the violence against Women act was forced into the spotlight in the United States.  O.J. Simpson’s passing is opening up discussions again about domestic violence and the importance of supporting survivors through crisis intervention, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and email support, continue.

The Orlando Police Department, in partnership with community organizations like Harbor House of Central Florida and UCF Victim Services, has made great strides in reducing incidents of domestic violence through their implementation of the Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) which is  a recognized best practice by the Orange County Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Commission.

If you or someone you know is experiencing this abuse in Seminole County, please call the

• National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Harbor House 24 Hour Hotline at 407-886-2856
• UCF Victim Services at 407-823-1200 for immediate assistance.
• Email the Orange County Domestic Violence Commission at Mayor@ocfl.net
• Resources – Visit harborhousefl.com for more resources and information on comprehensive victim advocacy services.

Today the alleged abuse Nicole experienced from O.J. is currently affecting the lives of many who have been victims and who are currently victims. It is imperative to protect yourselves, your family, and children from your abuse.

Orlando Counselor Defines Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is also known as intimate partner violence and there are various forms of abusive behaviors within relationships. These behaviors include:

1. Verbal Abuse: When the abuser intentionally says things to demean, degrade, scare, or harm your self-worth. Examples of verbal abuse can be yelling, humiliation, name-calling, and making threats.
2. Physical Abuse: physical contact from the abuser that is intended to hurt or intimidate someone, such as choking, slapping, or kicking.
3. Emotional Abuse: This form of abuse goes unnoticed and not taken seriously. This type of behavior is meant to control, manipulate, undermine your independence, or guilt trip you. This may include love bombing, gaslighting, silent treatment and isolation from loved ones.
4. Sexual Abuse: Forcing or pressuring unwanted sexual acts or controlling sexual experiences.
5. Financial Abuse: Using finances to gain power over you, restricting access to money or controlling spending.

Signs of Domestic Violence:

Physical signs of domestic abuse include:

1. Black eyes
2. Bruises on the arms, limbs, or neck
3. Sprained wrists
4. Broken bones
5. Unexplained pain

A person who is being physically abused might be unable to explain what caused their injuries, they might attempt to cover up their injuries by wearing heavy makeup or more clothing, they might also cancel events or avoid seeing friends or family on a continuous basis

Emotional signs of domestic abuse:

1. Increased levels of anxiety
2. Increased levels of irritability and anger
3. Low self-esteem
4. Seeming more fearful
5. Lack of interest in activities
6. Increased crying
7. Suicidal ideation
8. Mood swings, in happy moment you all of sudden appear sad or stressed.

WHAT TO DO?

Here are a few tips if you are going through Domestic Violence:

Safety Plan: Safety planning is crucial when considering leaving an abusive partner.

1. Tell Someone You Trust: Share what you are experiencing with a trusted friend, family member or even a counselor. Ensuring someone is aware of the abuse can provide you with emotional support that you will need.
2. Assess Danger Levels: Reflect on your partner’s use of force and the danger you may face. Understanding the abusers’ patterns will help you identify the safest time to leave.
3. Prepare an Exit Strategy: Plan how to leave and go over this plan with your children, family and friends. Determine who could lend you money or a place to stay.
4. Reach out to a Domestic a Violence shelter to see if they have space or a bed for you.
5. Ensure the abuser is not home when you plan to leave.
6. Consider any weapons in the home and how to remove them before you initiate this exit
7. strategy.
8. Emergency Contacts: Ensure you and your children know any important phone numbers and where the numbers are located. These numbers should include 911, your local domestic hotlines, family and friends.
9. Alert your neighbors: Notify neighbors of your situation and ask them to call the police if they hear or see any signs of violence.

Due to my own personal experience of emotional abuse, it is my calling to be a therapist and help others conquer their past traumatic experiences. I have survived through my own issues of emotional abuse, low self-esteem, substance abuse, and lack of trust towards others and now live a life full of joy, peace, and victory. I am here to help others heal and conquer the traumatic effects of abuse, strengthen their resilience and identify their self-worth and strengths.

Remember, you are not alone and there are resources available to you. Your safety matters and there are people who care about your well-being. If you suspect that someone is currently experiencing domestic violence offer them support and connect with available resources.

Jim West, the director of Total Life Counseling Center and his mom and the writer of this article are survivors of domestic violence and we really want to help!  Jim Wests mom did not have the support that there is today to find help and safety from this horrible abuse!

Resources:

1. Your local domestic violence shelter
2. National Domestic Violence Hotline: The resources are available 24/7, 365 a year. You can reach them at 800-799-SAFE.
3. Love is Respect Hotline: This hotline focuses on teen dating violence.
4. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE.
5. WomensLaw.org: This is an online resource that provides legal information.