150 Appropriate and Powerful Words Bloggers and Vloggers Can Use in Headlines about Domestic Violence

Bloggers and vloggers often fail to recognize the seriousness of domestic violence cases by employing a casual writing style that is entirely inapprop

Bloggers and vloggers often fail to recognize the seriousness of domestic violence cases by employing a casual writing style that is entirely inappropriate for the inherent violence involved. Whenever any of us speaks or writes about domestic violence, we have a duty to do it with a high level of respect, decency, and integrity.

Unfortunately, there are people who absorb the tragic details of violence as “entertainment” or “gossip”. It could be a car crash, a violent relationship, a mass shooting, or a terrorist attack and they would see ‘entertainment’ and ‘gossip.’

However, bloggers would be wise to keep in mind that many people around the world are not processing details in that manner.

Domestic Violence Ain’t ‘Tea”

Domestic violence should never be described as “tea”. The details that come forward in domestic violence cases are painful to:

The victims
The victim’s family and friends
People who have experienced domestic violence first-hand including children who were powerless to do much about the violence in the homes that they grew up in.
Family and friends of people who know the alleged abuser but never imagined that the person that they knew could ever be accused of abuse.
Service providers who are familiar with other cases of violence and with how violence impacts children and other victims.
Teachers who see children in their classrooms impacted by domestic violence.
Professionals within ‘the system’ that interfaces with victims of rape and violence regularly. Judges who care, lawyers who care, advocates who care, cops who care, social workers who care, doctors and nurses who care…..
Upstanding pastors, evangelists, priests, rabbis, and other faith leaders who actually care.

The words we use when talking about domestic violence matter because they shape our understanding, perception, and response to the issue. Here are a few reasons why these words are important:

1. Stigma: The words we use can contribute to the stigma surrounding domestic violence. If we use derogatory terms or victim-blaming language, it can perpetuate harmful attitudes and shame survivors. On the other hand, using language that is supportive and empathetic can help reduce stigma and encourage survivors to seek help.

2. Definitions and Understanding: The words we choose impact how we define and understand domestic violence. Using accurate and inclusive language helps create a clear understanding of the dynamics of abusive relationships. It reinforces the fact that domestic violence is about power and control, rather than personal issues between couples.

3. Accountability: The words we use can highlight the responsibility of the abuser and emphasize that domestic violence is a crime. By using language that holds perpetrators accountable, we can challenge societal norms that enable and tolerate violence.

4. Empowerment: Language can either reinforce or challenge power dynamics. Using empowering and survivor-centered language acknowledges the strength and resilience of survivors. It helps validate their experiences and promotes a culture of support and empowerment.

5. Policy and Legislation: The words we use influence policy and legislation around domestic violence. By using accurate and comprehensive language, we can advocate for laws that protect survivors, hold abusers accountable, and allocate appropriate resources for prevention and support.

Overall, choosing our words carefully when discussing domestic violence helps foster a more compassionate and informed response. It can contribute to creating an environment where survivors feel safe, supported, and understood.

We the public, have a duty to be on the right side of domestic violence. Whenever allegations, details, and facts fall into the hands of the public we have a duty to handle that information with care.

However, content creators have to bear an even greater responsibility in dealing with such sensitive topics.

Writing about violence and abuse is HARD. The details and the pain ….stick with you. If you aren’t going to do this right, you can decide not to publicly speak or write about violence and abuse. Simple as that.

1. Alarming

2. Troubling

3. Disturbing

4. Appalling

5. Heartbreaking

6. Devastating

7. Harrowing

8. Horrifying

9. Tragic

10. Shocking

11. Startling

12. Grievous

13. Agonizing

14. Painful

15. Wrenching

16. Distressing

17. Unsettling

18. Upsetting

19. Desperate

20. Terrifying

21. Frightening

22. Sinister

23. Menacing

24. Intimidating

25. Petrifying

26. Fearsome

27. Worrisome

28. Troublesome

29. Perilous

30. Unsafe

31. Intolerable

32. Unbearable

33. Crushing

34. Overwhelming

35. Soul-crushing

36. Mind-numbing

37. Crippling

38. Heavy-hearted

39. Chilling

40. Dark

41. Grim

42. Severe

43. Brutal

44. Savage

45. Vicious

46. Cruel

47. Ruthless

48. Merciless

49. Relentless

50. Barbaric

51. Inhumane

52. Abominable

53. Deplorable

54. Unconscionable

55. Atrocious

56. Infernal

57. Demeaning

58. Degrading

59. Humiliating

60. Insulting

61. Contemptuous

62. Disparaging

63. Derogatory

64. Disrespectful

65. Outrageous

66. Offensive

67. Inexcusable

68. Unjustifiable

69. Reprehensible

70. Repugnant

71. Abusive

72. Oppressive

73. Coercive

74. Controlling

75. Manipulative

76. Dominating

77. Bullying

78. Perpetrator-centric

79. Violent

80. Forceful

81. Aggressive

82. Destructive

83. Damaging

84. Harmful

85. Invasive

86. Suffering

87. Tormenting

88. Anguishing

89. Traumatic

90. Pained

91. Hurtful

92. Afflictive

93. Troubled

94. Tormented

95. Terrified

96. Petrified

97. Pained

98. Wounded

99. Scarred

100. Vulnerable

101. Defenseless

102. Helpless

103. Powerless

104. Desperate

105. Voiceless

106. Disempowered

107. Compromised

108. Endangered

109. Fragile

110. Shattered

111. Broken

112. Betrayed

113. Depressed

114. Isolated

115. Trapped

116. Controlled

117. Fearful

118. Weakened

119. Violated

120. Struggling

121. Battling

122. Escaping

123. Seeking refuge

124. Rebuilding

125. Withstanding

126. Reclaiming

127. Empowered

128. Resilient

129. Strong

130. Survivor

131. Supportive

132. Protective

133. Healing

134. Advocacy

135. Awareness

136. Education

137. Prevention

138. Intervention

139. Counseling

140. Rehabilitation

141. Justice

142. Recovery

143. Liberation

144. Resourceful

145. Empathy

146. Understanding

147. Compassion

148. Sensitivity

149. Respectful

150. Supportive

NOTE: Our email address is info@wesurviveabuse.com. Let us know if you have questions about domestic violence, rape, or stalking as you are creating your content.

WE can help.

Educated, & experienced.

When a Woman or Girl Says “No” to a Male: You Don’t Call Her a ‘Bigot’ Do You? (FREE ebook) | WE Survive Abuse