What is Domestic Violence?
“It never ceases to amaze me – how much they’ve changed my life, how much they’ve changed my children’s lives.”
Domestic violence encompasses a wide range of acts committed by one person against another in an intimate relationship or within a family. It is a pattern of coercive behavior that is used by one person to gain power and control over another.
This may include:
- Physical violence
- Sexual, emotional and psychological intimidation
- Verbal abuse
- Stalking
- Economic control
It may take the form of:
- Breaking objects
- Hurting/killing pets
- Yelling
- Driving recklessly to endanger or scare the victim
- Isolating the victim from friends and family members
- Controlling resources like money, vehicles, credit, medications and time
In same gender relationships:
- It can include threats to out the victim
Domestic violence can happen to people of all racial, economic, educational, religious backgrounds and in heterosexual and same gender relationships. While both men and women may be victims of domestic violence, research shows that the overwhelming majority of adult victims are women and that domestic violence is a major cause of injury to women.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, get help!
Domestic violence is a crime!
24 Hour Toll Free Hotline
1-866-202-5573
or
Text “Purple” to 94253