Domestic violence can unfortunately touch anyone and impacts residents in our own community daily. In 2025, the Naperville Police responded to nearly 1,200 incidents of domestic trouble; 450 of those incidents involved physical contact.
Breaking the Myths of Domestic Violence
There are also several myths surrounding domestic violence. For instance, many believe that domestic violence is only physical abuse. However, domestic abuse can be physical, but it also can be sexual, emotional, economic or psychological. It can be actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.
Another common myth is that if a person stays in an abusive relationship, it must not be that bad. People stay in abusive relationships for many different reasons: fear, threats, economic dependence, confusion, religious beliefs, children, belief that the abuser needs their help or will change, belief that the abuse is their fault, isolation, or pressure from friends and family to stay in the relationship.
Additionally, some believe that if the abuser is truly sorry and promises to reform, the abuse will stop. However, remorse and begging for forgiveness are manipulative methods used by the abuser, as a means of control. Abusers rarely stop.
It is also important to note that domestic violence does not affect many people. Abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic background, education level, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including people who are married, living together or dating. Victims of domestic violence may also include a child or other relative, or any other household member.
Men are also victims of domestic violence at the hands of both female and male partners. Remember, no one deserves to experience abuse of any kind, for any reason.
Many people also do not realize that interfering with the reporting of domestic violence is also a crime. A person commits this violation if, after having committed an act of domestic violence, he or she prevents or attempts to prevent the victim or witness to the crime from calling 9-1-1, obtaining medical assistance or making a report to any law enforcement official.
If you feel that you might be a victim of domestic violence or would like more information for a loved one or friend, the Naperville Police Department is available to offer support, information and guidance. For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/DomesticViolence.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
