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Jeanne was a 48-year-old woman who led a luxurious life. She lived in a seaside mansion and had an unlimited spending allowance.

Everyone thought she had the perfect life.

However, behind closed doors, she spent time each morning trying to find clothes or makeup to hide her bruises from her attacker.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Millions of people in the United States are affected by domestic violence. It damaged the physical and mental health of the victims and their families. It has undermined their economic stability and their general well-being.

Some of Jeanne’s friends thought she had a health problem because they had noticed that she frequently had unexplained bruises.

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Practitioners should have a basic knowledge of abuse and properly assess and treat cases.

Signs of physical abuse can include burns, jerks, punches, bites, or seizures.

Examination of the skin can be one of the first signs of abuse.

Conversely, a broad knowledge of skin diseases may provide different insight into diagnoses that mimic various forms of abuse.

An astute clinician can avoid the disastrous results of a false allegation of abuse by correctly diagnosing a skin condition.

Ordering laboratory work may rule out any medical condition such as leukemia or bleeding disorders.

It is important to know that anyone can be an abuser. They come from all groups, cultures, religions, economic levels and origins. It could be your neighbor, your friend, a relative or a co-worker.

Interestingly, most abusers have been found to have no criminal records and are law-abiding citizens outside the home.

“Everyone deserves relationships free of domestic violence and yet we know there is still a lot of work to be done to raise awareness about domestic violence and to break down the shame someone feels when trying to escape abuse.” said State Representative Anna Eskamani. “May this month be a reminder of our long-standing commitment to ending domestic violence and supporting survivors.”

During the month of October, we recognize the important role of the public and private sectors, non-profit organizations, communities and individuals in preventing and combating domestic violence and creating a culture that does not. not tolerate abuse.

According to Clinica Mi Salud, a clinic based in Central Florida: “Domestic violence is still common and affects millions of women and men from all socio-economic backgrounds. Many survivors of domestic violence, including children, suffer from devastating health consequences, for example, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, PTSD, among other physiological effects. As a free clinic, we know that many of them will face many barriers when seeking help, such as lack of access to mental health services, lack of financial resources and cultural barriers; as is the case with our Hispanic community, where language and mental health stigma can become the most difficult barrier. “

“For this reason, at Clínica Mi Salud, we provide free mental health services, in a comprehensive and culturally appropriate manner, to people without insurance and without limited economic resources,” said Marucci Guzmán, Executive Director of Latino Leadership, parent organization of the Mi Salud Clinic. “These disparities in access to health care exist, and if they are not overcome, victims of domestic violence are at a higher risk of engaging in self-destructive behaviors.”

Another organization in central Florida is the Genesis House. They help people who have experienced homelessness such as pregnant women, elderly women, women with children and elderly men.

“Many residents of Genesis House have experienced domestic violence situations in the past,” said Kristen Snyder, administrator of Genesis House. “Counselors and case managers examine the effects of domestic violence on their lives.”

In Brevard County, the Women’s Center has a North and South Center that is able to provide counseling, financial assistance, career counseling, vocational training, transitional housing and advocacy for women. victims.

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, don’t wait. Contact one of these resources above or call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.

Susan Hammerling-Hodgers, Fellow of the National Psoriasis Foundation, is PA-C (Certified Medical Assistant) and MPAS (Master of Physician Assistant Studies) and works at Brevard Skin and Cancer in the Merritt Island, Titusville and Rockledge offices.