What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is defined as any abusive, violent, coercive, forceful, or threatening act or word inflicted by one member of a family or household on another. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, one in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime. The Bureau of Justice Statistics cites that on average, more than three women and one man are murdered by their intimate partners in this country every day.

Signs of an Abusive Relationship

If any of the following signs of abuse is apparent in your relationship, it is important that you seek outside help as soon as possible. Further harm can be prevented. No one deserves to be treated with disrespect or violence. You are not alone. Support is available immediately online, by phone and in your community.

Emotional abuse may include name-calling, extreme suspicion or distrust, controlling behavior, intimidation or terrorizing behavior, public degradation or a pattern of humiliation, limiting your contact with family or friends, and wanting to keep track of you at all times.

Physical abuse may include property damage, any physical contact meant to cause discomfort, fear or pain, frightening a passenger with dangerous driving, threatening you with violence or with a weapon, preventing you from leaving your home, and locking you out of your house.

Sexual abuse may include treatment of a person like an object, demanding you wear certain clothing, rape (forcing you to have sex), using objects or weapons to cause you harm during sex, involving other people in sex with you against your will, and extreme jealousy or constant accusations of infidelity.