Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), affects about 2 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States (Leemis et al., 2022). Yet despite its prevalence, many people still struggle to understand why it happens, why it continues, and how survivors can begin to heal. A trauma‑informed approach may help by shifting the conversation away from blame and toward safety, compassion, and empowerment. What Is Domestic Violence? Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to gain power and control over another. While many people associate abuse with physical harm, it can also be: Emotional or verbal abuse Psychological manipulation Sexual coercion Financial control Digital monitoring or stalking Social isolation Threats or intimidation What ties these behaviors together is not the form they take, but the power imbalance they create. Abuse is never the survivor’s fault, and under...