"Only in Silence"

"Domestic violence is about power and control.  It is a pattern of coercion, intimidation, or violence used to gain and maintain control over a household member or intimate partner.  (Not all abuse is physical.) One of the ways abusers gain control over their victims is by isolating them.  It is often one of the earliest signs of a domestic violence relationship."

LESLIE MORGAN STEINER - author of "Crazy Love":
http://www.upworthy.com/ever-tell-yourself-youre-in-love-with-a-deeply-difficult-person-instead-of-facing-the-truth?c=ufb1

"THE FIRST STAGE IN ANY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RELATIONSHIP IS TO SEDUCE AND CHARM THE VICTIM. THE SECOND STAGE IS TO ISOLATE THE VICTIM."

"The next step in the domestic violence pattern is to introduce the threat of violence to see how she reacts."

"...the final step in a domestic violence pattern is death."

"Domestic violence is a carefully laid physical, financial and psychological trap."   "...abuse thrives only in silence."

“Domestic abuse happens only in intimate, interdependent, long-term relationships — in other words, in families — the last place we would want or expect to find violence.”

Domestic violence against men: Know the signs - Domestic violence against men isn't always easy to identify, but it can be a serious threat. Know how to recognize if you're being abused — and how to get help.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence-against-men/MY00557

"Isolation is an effective method for gaining power and control.  Without social contact and support, the victim is more easily manipulated.  As contact with other people diminishes, the victim becomes more dependent on the abuser, and may come to see the abuser as (the) sole source of emotional nurture and practical help.  This dependency may make it harder for the victim to identify and weigh options or to find alternate ways to get her/his needs met.  Jealousy can also be used to control and isolate the victim... Early in a relationship such controlling behavior may be mistaken for "love" and devotion.   It can be flattering to have someone want to spend all his/her time with you and say he/she cannot live without you. But it can quickly turn into an unhealthy isolation enforced by jealousy and other control tactics.  Jealousy can lead to increased surveillance, anger, and threats."

"DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AFFECTS THE CHILDREN, even if they're just witnesses. If you have children, remember that exposure to domestic violence puts them at risk of developmental problems, psychiatric disorders, problems at school, aggressive behavior and low self-esteem. You might worry that seeking help could further endanger you and your children, or that it might break up your family. Fathers might fear that abusive partners will try to take their children away from them. However, getting help is the best way to protect your children — and yourself."