CONFLICT THESAURUS

DOMESTIC ABUSE



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HELPFUL TIP:

Conflict is your story’s secret sauce, supplying tension, relationship friction, and complications to a character’s journey. It comes in a million different forms, so identify the obstacles and problems that will hit your character the hardest by using the Character Builder to uncover their primary insecurities, fears , and desires. Don’t forget to include everyday conflict scenarios that will frustrate them and keep the pressure high.
CATEGORY:
Relationship friction, no-win scenarios, loss of control, dangers and threats

NOTES:
The most common association with domestic abuse involves physical assault by one's spouse or partner. This entry will address this along with other kinds that can have devastating consequences, including a character's sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse by any family member.

EXAMPLES:
Verbal abuse in the form of continuous insults or criticism from someone in the home
The character being forced to cut ties with friends and family to prove their loyalty to a spouse
A partner controlling every aspect of the character's life, including monitoring their movements, phone calls, emails, and access to money
A child being sexually abused by a guardian
A spouse or child sustaining injuries from a family member's violent outbursts
A child being isolated and controlled by denying them access to education, communication, or interaction with the outside world 

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Answering questions from concerned friends, family, employers, or teachers
Having to use makeup, sunglasses, long sleeves, or scarves to hide cuts and bruises 
Having to cater to the abuser to avoid repercussions
Having to cancel plans repeatedly to appease a controlling family member
Frequently visiting the emergency room to treat minor injuries caused by violence
Lying to the abuser about day-to-day activities
Lying to family and friends to cover for the abuse
Being unable to access help or an advocate as a minor 
Not having the financial freedom to enjoy everyday things, such as a new book or a coffee with a friend
Suffering (from pain, hunger, loneliness, etc.) at the abuser's whim

POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
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RESULTING EMOTIONS:
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POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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PEOPLE WHO COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED:
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NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE:
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IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
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WOUNDS THIS COULD LEAD TO:
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POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE:
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POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
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