Domestic violence as most know is the emotional, mental, educational, psychological and physical behavior executed as control over an individual against another. Some of the traits of the abuser is to insult his/her significant other in public; blames the other for his/her own problems; demands the mate to have less contact with their family; forces his/her mate to engage in sex against their will; minimizes positive contact with their children and school activities; and misuses alcohol and/or drugs. Some of the traits of a victim are shows signs of or has been physically abused, like bruises or marks; cries a lot or looks quite unhappy most of the time; always worries about making his/her mate angry/upset; and gives up things that are important. The cycle of abuse, as professionals have identified is the following: tension building, explosion, and honeymoon phase.
Seasonal Domestic Violence (SDV), as I have coined the phrase, is more interesting than simply domestic violence. But it is the selective timing of when one misuses another as can be dictated by change of season, change in financial condition, or an alteration in behavior. Similarly, it is closely aligned with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression/blues. The depression normally associated with SAD has various symptoms including loss of sex drive, withdrawal from friends and tendency to oversleep as well as over-eat. The difference between the two would be SAD is more internal whereas SDV becomes exerted upon another due to ones inner emotions. Unfortunately this isn't atypical because normally it just occurs. But according to my perception, SDV is simply another excuse of why one can institute such aggressive actions.
As spring approaches and summer very near, it's important to consider that not only are some yet still enduring unemployment, underemployment, and stir craziness' (a term used among prison inmates who become mentally unstable following prolonged incarceration) but to the naked eye the evolution of changing seasons may appear normal. With temperatures in the 70's in Columbia; shorts are abound, legs are oiled and shaved, and motorcycles revved up for the ride. But behind closed doors, many women are becoming victimized as the season has yet brought about lethargy and a lack of self esteem due to not being able to fulfill his/her role in the home and wanting to get out and do more. Sadly, this may be due to some of the above indicated misfortunes. But this time of year, the controlling just gets worse. People don't want their "better half" out of the home or perceivably free'. So, what is one to do?
An individual caught in this misfortune should identify the possible signs, recognize and remember the cycle, and realize that SDV is real. So, ladies (and men) remember this time of year perpetrators become more intense in their dominion and mastery of capitalizing on your weakness. You should tell someone, seek help, and document what is occurring even if you believe it to be minimal. One slap or abusive word can lead to major damage physically and emotionally. Remember, we are our brothers' keeper and this is just an eye awakening reminder that domestic violence is present and can affect anyone in any socio-economic status and stage of life.