Physical
Examples: hitting, murder, strangling, pulling hair, smashing things, burning, denying medical support or medications, locked in side or outside, damage to possessions, cruelty to pets.

Sexual
Examples: unwanted sex or sexual acts, sexual acts in front of or witnessed by children, made to watch pornography, sex on their conditions, denying choice in contraception, forced abortion.

Emotional/Psychological
Example: saying you are crazy, threatening suicide, threatening to leave, self esteem erosion, critiquing appearance/body, put-downs, undermining character, implying mental illness, spreading rumours, saying you are a bad father/mother/partner, blaming, shaming, misattributing responsibility for violence e.g. “look what you made me do”, controlling what you wear.
For the LGBTIQA+ relationships, the type of abuse can involve ‘Outing’, or threatening to ‘Out’ their partner to friends, family, church or employer.

Cultural/Spiritual
Example: not letting them follow their own beliefs, using beliefs to justify behaviour, not allowing negotiation in children’s spiritual education, stopping attendance at a place of worship, forcing or insisting on conversion.

Financial/Economic
Example: controlling money, getting into debt, control of shopping expenditure, concealing assets, unable to buy things for oneself, rationing or placing conditions on money, gambling joint money, taking out loans.

Verbal
Example: yelling, name calling, sarcasm, fault finding, lies, public humiliation, threats, dominating conversation.

Social
Example: not allowing the individual to see or ring friends or family, monitoring where they are, reading messages on phone, smashing phone, jealousy, accusing of affairs, disallowing transport or license, controlling appearance, sabotaging social outings.

Stalking
Examples: watching from parked cars, unwanted gifts, cyber stalking, repeatedly driving past home or work, reading mail or emails, turning up at places where the person who experiences violence frequents.

Technology facilitated abuse
Examples: tracking via mobile phone apps, monitoring through the access of online bank accounts, threats to the partner via social media.

There is a disturbing increase in the number of individuals experiencing technology facilitated abuse, as people who use violence use digital means to monitor and control their partners movements.
Abuse via technology has an enormous impact on the lives of people experiencing domestic and family violence. It restricts their movements, creates fear and causes issues for their health and wellbeing. Knowing how to increase safety when using digital technology is very important, see information here…Domestic Violence-eSafety Online Safety Plan

Because your partner, sister, mother could be suffering in silence?

Hey Dads, so you know how our bodies change as we get older? Well, women also go through a big change called menopause. It’s a natural process that happens when a woman’s body stops having periods. The timing is normally between 40’s to 60’s when a women’s oestrogen levels drop. but “Perimenopause” can start from as young as 30 years of age. This happens because the ovaries stop releasing eggs and her hormone levels change. These changes cause most women to experience symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, lack of self confidence, depression, trouble sleeping and a lack of sexual desire . It’s a big transition in her life, and she might need support or understanding during this time.”

Menopause is overlooked by many doctors (GP’s). The cause, symptoms and solutions are under publicised yet it happens to most women! Untreated, woman going through Menopause feel like they have to give up their career because some symptoms can be overwhelming. Brain fog and a lack of self confidence, can leave her feeling that she cannot perform at work anymore?

Menopause is inevitable – suffering is not

50% of the population will go through menopause and I have no doubt that many of us Dads have already experienced our partners or someone we know going through menopause, so it’s important you understand it and provide support. If it’s effecting your mum, sister, partner it could be effecting your relationships too, but don’t worry, there are treatments that can help reduce the symptoms.

Firstly, let’s look at how big this issue really is and some stats….

Read this…in 2023, 85% of women complained of menopausal symptoms but only 10% are getting treatment!

Imagine if our testicles shrivelled up and died at 51, that’s the equivalent, how would you feel, so sit up and take notice dads ~ Dr May Claire Haver

Did you know most GP’s are more likely to prescribe an anti-depressant than Hormone Replacement Therapy? WTF !!

Why don’t our GP’s know the symptoms? They spend only a little amount of time specifically training on the management/treatment of Menopause, yet 1/3 of the worlds women are going through either peri-menopause, menopause or post-menopause. So it’s best to get a referral to a specialist.

Menopause symptoms vary in intensity and duration from woman to woman. Approximately 70 different symptom have been identified however, here is a list of the common menopausal symptoms:

1. Hot Flashes:
   • Sudden, intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and a flushed face.
2. Night Sweats:
   • Hot flashes that occur during the night, leading to excessive sweating and potential sleep disturbances.
3. Irregular Menstrual Periods:
   • Changes in the menstrual cycle, including irregular periods or the complete cessation of menstruation.
4. Vaginal Dryness:
   • Reduced moisture in the vaginal area, leading to discomfort, itching, and pain during sexual intercourse.
5. Sleep Disturbances:
   • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, often linked to night sweats or hormonal changes.
6. Mood Swings:
   • Fluctuations in mood, including irritability, anxiety, and feelings of sadness or depression.
7. Weight Gain:
   • Changes in body composition, with some women experiencing weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
8. Changes in Libido:
   • Decreased interest in or changes in sexual desire.
9. Fatigue:
   • Persistent feelings of tiredness or lack of energy.
10. Memory and Concentration Issues:
    • Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or “brain fog.”
11. Joint and Muscle Pain:
    • Aches and pains in the joints and muscles i.e. frozen shoulder
12. Headaches:
    • Increased frequency or intensity of headaches.
13. Hair Changes:
    • Thinning of hair or changes in hair texture.
14. Skin Changes:
    • Changes in skin elasticity, dryness, or an increase in wrinkles.
15. Urinary Changes:
    • Increased frequency of urination or urinary incontinence.
16. Heart Palpitations:
    • Sensations of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.
17. Breast Tenderness:
    • Discomfort or tenderness in the breasts.
18. Changes in Cholesterol Levels:
    • Menopause can be associated with changes in cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease.

It’s important to realise that some women are getting individual treatment for multiple ailments yet maybe all they need to do is look at them holistically and get their hormones back on track? Surely it’s worth a visit to a specialist?

If left unchecked menopause can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, diabetes and a women’s cholesterol levels can shoot up during your 40-50’s? getting checked will help prevent any negative consequences.

I think it is hugely important to talk about it and not sweep it under the carpet, it might save your marriage or relationship! So whilst you’re driving in the car or laying in bed I recommend you Listen to Dr Mary Claire Haver podcast interview together with your partner.

Shout out to…Dr Mary Claire Haver who is a menopause expert, OBGYN, bestselling author and internet personality. She specialises in women’s health, focusing on empowering and educating everyone to understand women’s bodies. In 2018, she founded ‘The Galveston Diet’, which became a bestseller in 2023. The Mary Claire Wellness Clinic, established in 2021, has helped to empower and educate thousands of women. Her new book is out May 2024 and provides everything a woman needs to know to thrive during her hormonal transition and beyond.

Follow Mary Claire Haver:
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3TtYGrv
TikTok: https://bit.ly/3v9U3sq
Pre-Order Dr Mary’s new book here: https://bit.ly/3RpP7XX

Bonus…If you enjoy hearing about promoting health, self care and the power of fasting, check out the conversation with the nutritional and functional health expert, Dr Mindy Pelz, which you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2mQOGzHtQc

Cheating is a complex behavior and can be caused by various factors, including psychological, emotional, and social reasons. While it is not limited to men, research suggests that men are more likely to cheat compared to women. Here are some possible explanations for why some men cheat:

1. Lack of emotional connection: Men who are not emotionally connected with their partners may feel unfulfilled and seek out emotional intimacy with someone else. Emotional intimacy is essential in any relationship, and if it is missing, men may seek it out elsewhere. This is especially true if the man is experiencing stress or feeling neglected in his relationship.
2. Desire for novelty: Men who crave novelty may be more likely to cheat. This can be a result of boredom or a desire for new experiences. Men who have a high need for excitement may find it difficult to remain faithful to one partner and may seek out new partners as a way of satisfying their need for novelty.
3. Low self-esteem: Men with low self-esteem may cheat to feel better about themselves. Cheating can be a way for them to feel wanted and desired by someone else. It can also be a way for them to boost their ego and feel more confident.
4. Opportunity: Men may cheat when the opportunity presents itself. This is often the case in situations where men are away from their partners for long periods, such as business trips or when they are out with friends. They may also cheat if they feel that they can get away with it without their partners finding out.
5. Dissatisfaction with sex life: Men who are not satisfied with their sex life may cheat to find more fulfillment. This can be due to a lack of sexual compatibility with their partner or a lack of interest in sex in their relationship. Men may seek out new partners who they believe can satisfy their sexual desires more effectively.
6. Insecurity: Men who feel insecure in their relationship may cheat as a way of testing their partner’s commitment. They may cheat to see if their partner will forgive them and continue to love them, even if they have been unfaithful. This behavior can be a result of past relationship trauma, trust issues, or a lack of self-confidence.
7. Peer pressure: Men may cheat because of social and peer pressure. This is often the case in situations where men are part of a group that encourages infidelity, such as a fraternity or a group of friends who are unfaithful to their partners. Men who are part of such groups may feel that cheating is normal and expected behavior, and they may feel pressure to conform to these expectations.

It’s important to note that cheating is not justifiable and can cause significant harm to those involved. Infidelity can lead to broken trust, emotional pain, and damage to the relationship. While the reasons why men cheat are complex, communication, honesty, and trust can help prevent cheating and address any issues that may arise. Couples should seek counseling if they are experiencing relationship issues that may lead to infidelity.

Choosing a life partner is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. It is essential to choose someone who shares your values, goals, and interests and with whom you can build a strong and healthy relationship. Here are some tips on how to choose a life partner:

1. Determine your own values and goals: Before you start looking for a life partner, it’s important to know yourself and what you want in life. Take some time to reflect on your values, goals, and interests. Knowing what you want and need in a partner will help you find someone who is compatible with you.
2. Look for someone who shares your values and interests: Shared values and interests are essential for a long-lasting relationship. Look for someone who has similar goals and values as you. This can include beliefs about family, career, religion, and lifestyle.
3. Look for someone who is supportive: A life partner should be supportive of your goals and dreams. They should encourage and motivate you to be your best self. They should also be understanding and empathetic when you face challenges or setbacks.
4. Look for someone who communicates well: Communication is a key component of a successful relationship. Look for someone who communicates openly and honestly, and who is willing to work through issues with you. Good communication skills can help you build trust and intimacy in your relationship.
5. Look for someone who is emotionally stable: Emotionally stable partners are better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life. They are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, and more likely to be supportive and nurturing.
6. Look for someone who is reliable and dependable: A reliable partner is someone who you can count on when you need them. They should be there for you when you need them, and they should follow through on their commitments.
7. Look for someone who is compatible with you: Compatibility is essential for a successful relationship. Look for someone who shares your interests, values, and lifestyle. They should also be someone who you enjoy spending time with and who makes you feel happy and fulfilled.

It’s important to take your time and not rush into a relationship. It’s also important to trust your instincts and not settle for someone who doesn’t meet your needs or who doesn’t treat you with respect and kindness. Remember that a life partner is someone who you will spend the rest of your life with, so it’s important to choose wisely.