Domestic violence is not reserved to physical altercations between couples. It encompasses a wide spectrum of destructive behavior that includes physical, sexual and psychological attacks. While it is commonly thought of as something between significant others, it can also occur between family members, friends and roommates.
According to Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, the feeling of power lies at the core of abusive behavior. Some people use insults or threats to establish control in a relationship. It doesn’t have to be a punch or slap. It could be control-craving behavior such as preventing you from seeing your friends, demanding to know everything you do and demeaning you with put-downs in public and private. You may have seen signs of domestic abuse while you are out and about. Click HERE to view a list of signs and red flags that intertwine with domestic abuse.
If you haven’t been in an abusive relationship, it can be hard to understand why it’s so difficult for the victim to leave the home. It’s a serious matter, which is why the Council for Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey feels it’s necessary to help spread awareness about this problem.
As you may recall, we recently published a survey and study to get a better idea about the correlation between gambling and domestic violence.
Some of the findings we discovered included:
- 53% of participants stated that somebody close to them (including themselves) have been a victim of some form of domestic abuse.
- 25% claimed to have self-medicated (with drugs or alcohol) to cope with violence or abuse.
- 25% said that their significant other had become angry or easily irritable when discussing household finances.
- To view the complete write-up on this survey, click HERE.
For many people, gambling venues are refuge from violence where gambling becomes a method of escape and a way to forget about their problems for a few hours. Casinos are open 24/7, so they become a place that victims can turn to for peace at any hour. From there, it’s entirely possible that they indulge in problematic gambling behavior to blow off steam. After all, that’s why there are bright lights, maze-like layouts and hard-to-find exits in gambling venues.
Other people find themselves in disputes, arguments and altercations due to conversations about mismanaging money as a result of problematic gambling behaviors. It’s a vicious cycle that can continue for years unless action is taken.
The Council for Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is making it a point to help spread awareness. We want to show people how serious (and even deadly) domestic abuse and gambling can be. We also want to help victims take action. From gambling addicts running books and sports betting in East Rutherford, NJ, to senior citizens hooked on Atlantic City slot machines, there is hope.
While October is football, baseball and basketball season, we mustn’t forget that it is also Domestic Violence Awareness month. East Rutherford, NJ, sports gambling can lead to a responsible evening for some, but it can lead to domestic issues for others. If you see any red flags in your relationship, call 1-800-GAMBLER (24/7 Gambler Help Hotline) or 1-800-779-7233 (National Domestic Violence Hotline) today.