Domestic violence remains a hidden epidemicimpacting millions of people around the world through not only physical but also psychological abuse such as coercive control and financial exploitation. Observed each October, the goal of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is to increase public understanding of this crisis and inspire collective action.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the impact of domestic violence and ways allies can better understand and support victim-survivors. Most people think that abuse is only physical, but new studies show that other forms of abuse, although hidden, can be just as damaging.

What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)?

In October, many organizations associated with ending domestic violence put a lot of effort into educating the public about the realities of domestic violence in all its forms—from physical assault to the impact of coercive control. This year’s DVAM theme, “Heal, Hold, and Center,” emphasizes compassionate and holistic support for survivors through an emphasis on healing, community advocacy, and centering the voices of survivors.

The financial impact of domestic violence

The economic impact of domestic violence, which is often overlooked, affects the quality of life of survivors, with consequences that can last a lifetime. The CDC estimates that intimate partner violence costs the U.S. more than $8.3 billion annually, including health care, lost productivity, and criminal justice services—now likely more than $13 billion with inflation. Only direct medical and mental health costs were estimated at 4.1 billion dollars. Financial security is a delicate dance for many survivors, and the consequences of abuse on their financial situation can last a lifetime. The CDC estimates that IPV results in approximately 8 million lost paid work days annually, and studies show that between 21% and 60% of IPV survivors lose their jobs directly because of the abuse, either from workplace harassment or absenteeism.

How can public understanding happen?

Education can be one of the most effective ways to understand the dynamics, patterns and wider impact of abuse. Professor Dale Margolin Cecka, assistant professor of law and director of Albany Law School’s Family Violence Litigation Clinic, challenges common misconceptions.

“There is an underlying feeling among the general population that because we prosecute abusers, we have ‘solved’ domestic violence,” Cecka said.

This disconnect, she adds, fuels the stigma surrounding victim-survivors, reinforcing negative stereotypes about why survivors stay in abusive relationships. Cecka also noted that family courts, in particular, can encourage unhealthy power dynamics by often awarding custody to parents accused of abuse.

“Family courts award joint or sole custody to fathers accused of domestic violence about 70 percent of the time,” she said. Such practices can revictimize survivors, especially when coercive control is involved.

“Unless you’ve been very close to a victim, you have no idea how extraordinarily complicated these situations are,” Cecka observed. “Victims do not open up because they are often socially isolated, degraded, shamed and trapped. While the general population knows people in abusive situations, they often don’t understand what victims go through on a day-to-day basis. This also means that the public does not realize how inadequately our legal system (both criminal and civil) addresses abuse.”

The role of artificial intelligence and social media in domestic violence investigations

Joshua Lee, an active-duty police sergeant and Grand Canyon University professor with more than a decade of experience, says social media can make investigating domestic violence cases more complicated. “Social media can be very damaging to the credibility of a case,” explains Lee. “We have come across numerous cases of domestic violence where victims have created a narrative on social media with unsubstantiated claims of prior abuse or neglect. When the actual crime happens, they present documents from social media rather than official police reports. This almost always casts doubt on the credibility of the victim.”

Artificial intelligence is also influencing the way law enforcement responds to and investigates domestic violence cases, bringing with it both advantages and challenges. “AI is significantly transforming the way officers respond to and investigate abuse crimes,” explains Lee. “Law enforcement agencies now use advanced tools that analyze abuse data and create predictive models designed to prevent potential violent crimes.”

But there are limitations to artificial intelligence that make investigations difficult and, according to Lee, can often put up barriers for domestic violence victims and law enforcement professionals trying to help.

“Conversely, artificial intelligence also facilitates the creation of false evidence, such as doctored photos of injuries or fabricated audio recordings that can misrepresent situations and complicate investigations,” says Lee. “We’ve already seen cases where the suspect denies full involvement, but the victim recorded audio of the suspect saying horrific things. Who is to be believed in these cases?”

Subtle signs of control and coercion

Artificial intelligence has refined law enforcement’s approach to domestic violence, but human interactions often expose the subtle signs of coercive control that technology can miss. Lee recalls a case that began as a routine investigation, only to uncover something deeper.

“Years ago, we were investigating a bicycle found abandoned in the park. Normally we wouldn’t do a huge investigation simply because it’s just a bike. It’s just that this bike was very expensive and left unattended in a private park,” Lee said.

He would later use the serial number to trace the bike back to its owner.

“While I was talking to the owner, who lived in a prominent neighborhood, I noticed that her husband was still looking at us. He even stood up and said, “Thanks for bringing the bike back, but you have to go.” His behavior, like his wife’s, was not normal, so I did some digging and discovered that the husband had total control over his wife’s finances. A few weeks later she called the police while he was at work and I was able to give her the resources she needed to get away.”

Lee said training officers and healthcare providers to recognize these invisible signs is invaluable.

“Training is key when learning to respond to invisible control cues. Teaching officers how to carry on a conversation without drawing attention to the real motive behind that conversation is truly an art.”

Barriers to help-seeking for domestic violence

Matthew D. Johnson, a professor of psychology at Binghamton University, also noted that complicating factors that affect a victim’s decision to stay include love, financial dependence and caring for pets or children.

“There are many reasons why someone might choose to stay in a relationship or return to one after spending time in a shelter,” Johnson explained, adding that even a single night in a shelter it can save life. Economic barriers, social isolation, and logistical challenges create a daunting reality for survivors seeking safe exit strategies.

Johnson also said how the public perceives a survivor of domestic abuse can make or break the victim’s or survivor’s willingness to seek help.

“Public cynicism can lead to a lack of empathy and support for victims. People may doubt the seriousness of the abuse or blame the victim for their situation, which can discourage victims from seeking help,” Johnson said. “Victims may also fear being judged or stigmatized if they end their relationship or spend time in a shelter. Negative public attitudes can re-traumatize victims, making them feel invalidated and alone, which can hinder their ability to heal and move on.”

Despite the economic impact of domestic violence, financial support for survivors remains limited, and advocates like Cecka, who was a Skadden Fellow at the Legal Aid Society of New York, advocate for policies that create sustainable, long-term solutions. “An urgent response should be housing, not just temporary shelters, but permanent and affordable options,” she said. Cecka also noted the need for permanent programs to provide domestic violence survivors with affordable housing for themselves and their children, if applicable.

Resources for survivors of domestic violence

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), Love is Respect and RAINN are among some of the organizations working alongside advocates, advocates and policymakers for systemic change around domestic violence. Other non-profit organizations such as NVRDC, Called to the Ministries of Peace and Victims Safe Harbor Foundation also provides specialized support systems for survivors.

The need to raise awareness of domestic violence will continue to drive discussions for the next few years. Breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions about domestic violence – especially its non-physical forms – is one way to understand and advocate. Managers, colleagues and organizations across all industries can also benefit from using the nuances of domestic violence, as workplaces can ultimately play a central role year-round in supporting survivors, whether the abuse seems obvious at first or not .

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are resources available to support survivors as they find safety and rebuild their lives.