What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is abusive behavior - emotional, psychological, physical, or sexual - that one person in an intimate relationship uses in order to control the other. Most domestic violence is committed against women by their male partners. It also occurs in lesbian and gay relationships and is common in teen dating relationships.

Abuse does not just mean physical violence. It also means verbal abuse, emotional abuse, financial control, stalking, harassment, unwanted sexual contact, and other behaviors designed to maintain power and control over a partner or family member.

Examples of Domestic Violence include:

• Verbal Abuse
  name calling, threats, intimidation
• Emotional Abuse
  constant and harsh criticism, humiliation, isolation, domination
• Financial Abuse
  keeping and controlling all the money, hiding money and joint assets
• Physical Abuse
  pushing, slapping, hitting, kicking, choking, biting, using weapons, tying up, etc.
• Sexual Abuse
  forcing unwanted sexual contact, rape
• System Abuse
  violating restraining orders, violating child custody or visitation agreements, lying about a partner or family member to the police or to the courts

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE! If you think you are a victim of Domestic Violence, please seek help. Information and resources are available on this website.