What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is the intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. Domestic violence abuse is an epidemic affecting individuals regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
Do you know someone that may be in an abusive relationship?
Bruises or injuries that look like they came from choking, punching or being thrown down. Black eyes, red or purple marks at the neck and sprained wrists are common injuries in violent relationships.
Attempting to hide bruises with makeup or clothing.
Making excuses like tripping or being accident-prone or clumsy. Often the seriousness of the injury does not match up with the explanation.
Having few close friends and being isolated from relatives and coworkers.
Having to ask permission to meet, talk with or do things with other people.
Having no access to money; may not have credit cards or even a car.
Having low self-esteem; being extremely apologetic and meek.
Referring to the partner’s temper, but not disclosing the extent of the abuse.
Having a drug or alcohol abuse problem.
Having symptoms of depression, such as sadness, hopelessness or loss of interest in daily activities.
Talking about and/or attempting suicide; showing other warning signs of suicide.
Am I in an abusive relationship?
Domestic violence includes, but isn’t limited to the following examples:
A FEW EXAMPLES: Pushing, pinching, biting, slapping, spitting, beating, kicking, choking or backing you into a corner. Pinning you down, throwing objects, hair pulling or not allowing you to leave a room.
A FEW EXAMPLES: Unwanted touching, fondling, kissing or any type of unwanted contact with you or someone else’s body.
A FEW EXAMPLES: Confinement, isolation, humiliation, intimidation or any other treatment which may diminish a person’s sense of identity, dignity and self-worth.
A FEW EXAMPLES: Yelling or swearing, bullying, name calling, insults, mocking, threats, ignoring or exclusion.
A FEW EXAMPLES: Controlling a victim’s ability to acquire, use and maintain financial resources. Restricting their access to money or stealing money.
