Domestic Violence
What is it?
Domestic and dating violence consist of actual or threatened physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse of an individual by someone with whom they have or have had an intimate relationship with. It is usually a pattern of behavior that deals not only with violence, but also with power, control, and fear. This type of violence can include threats and actual physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It is especially damaging because the perpetrator is someone whom you trust or once trusted. It is often hard to leave a situation like this because of the emotions or family ties that are involved. The most important thing to realize is that the abuse is not the victim's fault. It is also important to realize that no one deserves to be treated this way and that nothing you did provoked it. Staying in the relationship will not stop the abuse. Even if he says it won't happen again, you cannot be certain that it won't. Domestic violence tends to be a pattern of behavior that often increases over time. Not only is the victim affected, there may also be children and other family members who become involved and affected. It is important to get out of an abusive relationship for your safety and theirs. Many communities offer shelters and 24-hour hotlines to help victims deal with leaving their partners. It is important to contact these professionals to help you through this situation.
- What To Do If You Are Being Abused
- Characteristics of An Abusive Relationship
- Cycle of Violence
- Forms of Abuse
- Characteristics of a Batterer
- Why She Stays
- Self-Worth
- Domestic Abuse Hotlines
- Domestic Abuse Websites
Edited 6/4/07