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| Definition |
Domestic violence is a learned pattern of behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other person. The partners may be married or not married, gay or lesbian, living together, separated or dating.
Examples of domestic violence are:
- emotional abuse through mind games, name-calling, or put-downs
- isolation from family or friends
- economic abuse by withholding money or being prevented from getting or holding a job
- actual or threatened physical harm
- sexual assault
- stalking
- intimidation
The violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted, forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of domestic violence and can lead to criminal abuse.
The violence takes many forms and can happen all the time or once in a while. An important step to help yourself or someone you know in preventing or stopping violence is recognizing the warning signs listed on the "Violence Wheel."
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence...young, old, rich, poor, black, white, professional, unemployed. There is no typical profile of domestic violence victims except that they are usually female. Children living in homes where a mother is abused are more likely to be abused themselves. Even if they are not, children who witness abuse are victims.
If you are in an abusive situation, REMEMBER
You are not alone.
You are not to blame.
And, you can get help.
