What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is purposeful and intentional behavior. The perpetrator's abusive acts are done to achieve compliance from or control over the victim. Many people assume that domestic includes only physical types of violence; in actuality, perpetrators use many different controlling actions to achieve power over the victim. These include physical, emotional, and sexual forms of abuse. Please see our Planning to Leave page for information on safety planning and what to take when leaving an abusive situation.
Examples of Domestic Violence
Using Physical Force
Using Sexual Violence
- Forcing intercourse or to perform other sexual acts
- Grabbing or touching sexual parts
Using Coercion and Threats
- Making and/or carrying out threats to hurt the victim
- Threatening to leave, commit suicide
- Making the victim afraid by using looks or actions
- Smashing things, destroying property, harming pets
Using Emotional Abuse
- Putting the victim down, calling them names
- Controlling what the victim does and who they see
Minimizing, Denying, and Blaming
- Making light of the abuse
- Saying the victim caused the abuse
- Threatening to take the children away
- Using visitation to harass the victim
Using Economic Abuse
- Preventing the victim from getting or keeping a job or causing them to quit or get fired
If You Are Abused:
- Plan ahead by developing a protection plan.
- Talk to a supportive friend or relative about what is happening, don't keep silent about being abused.
- Talk with staff or advocates at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
- Call your local police or sheriff's department (911).
- Your first priority is to take care of yourself and your children.
- No one deserves to be abused and you are not responsible for the abusive behavior.
If Someone You Know is Being Abused:
- You may be the first person the victim has talked to. It is important to listen and believe what is said.
- Be non-judgmental. Each person has her/his own reasons for staying in the situation and may not want your help at this time.
- Be supportive of whatever course of action should she/he choose to take.
- Allow time for expression of emotions.
- Help explore alternatives.
- Inform them about services that are available. Give information about our program or other helping agencies.