2025 October issue of InMaricopa Magazine

HEALTH & WELLNESS

A summary of the Aug. 12 – Sept. 16 restaurant health inspections by Pinal County Environmental Health Services.

LESS COMMONLY DISCUSSED SIGNS

Restaurant inspections

Domestic violence The signs you don’t always see

Domestic violence isn’t always marked by visible wounds. Some of the quieter, overlooked signs include: • Constantly apologizing or taking blame for things you didn’t do. • Feeling like you’re walking on eggshells to avoid upsetting your partner. • Pulling away from friends, hobbies or work because your partner disapproves. • Needing to check in constantly or feeling guilty for wanting independence. • Doubting your own memories, feelings or judgment because of gaslighting. • Losing confidence or your sense of self.

EXCELLENT • A+ Charter School • Arby’s • Bashas’ Deli

Dr. C. Jon Beecroft

Dr. Kelvin Crezee

Dr. Jordan Richardson

BY BRIANNA REINHOLD, LPC, CFRC, ERPSCC W HEN PEOPLE HEAR THE WORDS “domestic violence,” their minds often go straight to the most visible signs: a black eye, bruises hidden under long sleeves or scratch marks that don’t quite add up. For a long time, that was the picture painted by society — abuse was physical, and physical only.

Maricopa Foot & Ankle Center

• Bashas’ Retail • Brooklyn Boys

Gaslighting is another powerful weapon. An abuser may deny things that clearly happened, twist words or accuse the victim of being “too sensitive.” Over time, this erodes confidence and makes the victim question their own memory and judgment. The abuser’s version of reality becomes the dominant one. Isolation is also common, but it doesn’t always look like locking someone inside the house. Instead, it shows up as guilt trips: “Why would you want to spend time with them instead of me?” or “Your friends don’t really care about you like I do.” The victim eventually pulls away from loved ones — not because they’re forbidden, but because the guilt, tension and doubt make it easier to give in. Why victims stay It’s easy to say, “If it’s that bad, just leave.” But leaving isn’t simple. By the time the abuse is clear, self-esteem has often been shattered. Victims may feel financially dependent, especially if their partner controls the money, limits access to work or undermines their career. Add in children, fear of retaliation or the belief that “no one else will want me,” and leaving can feel impossible. Many victims do leave, only to return. To outsiders, this can be frustrating, and friendships or family bonds sometimes break under the strain. But those who understand the cycle of abuse know that returning doesn’t mean weakness, it means the psychological grip is incredibly strong. Breaking free takes time, support and safety. Offering support If you suspect someone you know may be in an abusive relationship, approach with care. Judgment or ultimatums often push people further into isolation. Instead, listen without pressure, remind them they are not alone and offer resources when they’re ready. Sometimes the smallest acts of support include simply believing their story, checking in regularly or helping them feel less alone.

• Ankle & Foot Surgery • Athletic Injuries • Bunions & Bone Spurs • Ingrown Toenails • Plantar Fasciitis • Sprains & Fractures • Varicose Veins Treatment • Warts • Wound Care Specialists

No food manager certificates were observed. A certified food manager should be on staff while a kitchen or food establishment is operating. Upon next inspection, documentation of a certified food manager to be shown to the inspector.

(520) 494-1090 • MFAAC.com 21300 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite 126 Just south of ACE Hardware

• Butterfield Elementary School • Chilaquiles Modern Kitchen • Desert Wind Middle School • Francisco’s Mexican Food • Helen’s Kitchen

But survivors will tell you something different. They’ll tell you that the bruises faded long before the damage did. They’ll tell you that the emotional and psychological abuse often cut deeper and lingered longer than any physical injury ever could. Domestic violence is rarely just about physical harm; it is about control, fear and the erosion of someone’s sense of self. How abuse really starts Abuse doesn’t usually begin with cruelty. It begins with charm. Many abusers present themselves as charismatic, kind and even magnetic. They’re often the ones others admire, the “life of the party” or the person everyone describes as “so great.” That charm becomes a mask, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to believe this same person could be harmful behind closed doors. But once the relationship feels secure, the mask starts to slip. The change is gradual — so gradual that many victims second guess themselves. A sarcastic jab here. A guilt-trip there. A little disapproval when they spend time with friends. Then slowly, the criticism and manipulation increase until the victim is trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and dependence. The psychology of control Abusers rely heavily on tactics like blame, guilt, gaslighting and isolation. Unlike physical violence, which leaves visible scars, these tactics leave emotional ones. Victims begin to feel like they are always walking on eggshells, terrified of saying or doing the wrong thing. They apologize excessively, even for things that aren’t their fault.

Second location

Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center

Observed sunlight coming in from under the back door indicating it is not tightly sealed. Person in charge was made aware and will replace door sweeps or fill gaps to prevent pests within the food establishment. Verification of improved door seal to occur at the next routine inspection.

These signs may seem small in isolation, but together they create a pattern of control and fear.

(480) 893-1090 • AHWFAC.com 15810 S. 45th St., Suite190 Just south of Chandler Blvd.

• Heritage Academy • Legacy Traditional School • Little Caesars Pizza

Finding help If any of these signs feel familiar to you personally, know this: Abuse is not love. It is about power and control. You deserve safety, respect and peace. Reaching out may feel overwhelming, but resources are available to help you create a plan and take steps toward freedom. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support or visit TheHotline.org to chat with an advocate. Trusted friends, family and local therapists can also be part of your support system. Author’s note: Please remember that domestic violence isn’t limited to romantic relationships. It can occur within families, friendships and any form of intimate relationship. Abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, financial, sexual and more. One of the most dangerous times for a victim is when they attempt to leave. This is why safety planning is critical — having a plan in place can literally be lifesaving.

• No food manager certificates were observed. A certified food manager should be on staff while a kitchen or food establishment is operating. Upon next inspection, documentation of a certified food manager to be shown to the inspector. • Observed dried food debris on the walls and flooring in the dishwashing area. Discussed with person in charge that nonfood contact surfaces shall be cleaned often to reduce contamination and the attraction of pests. Upon the next routine inspection, verification of proper cleaning protocols to be performed. • Observed missing floor tiles in the dishwashing area. Discussed with the person in charge that flooring shall be in good repair to prevent the accumulation of water and attraction of pests. Upon next routine inspection, the flooring to be in good repair and missing tiles to be restored. • Maricopa High School • Maricopa Wells Middle School • Native Grill & Wings • Panda Express • Sonic • Taco Bell (John Wayne Parkway) • Observed sunlight coming in from under the back door indicating it is not tightly sealed. Person in charge was made aware and will replace door sweeps or fill gaps to prevent pests within the food establishment.

NorthernLightsTherapyAZ.com