What is Domestic Violence?
According to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), "domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse."
Domestic violence focuses on power and control.
Types and Symptoms of Domestic Violence
Physical Violence
Using physical force and means to assert power and control
May include hitting, kicking, using weapons against, etc.
Sexual Violence
Using sexual means to
May include pressure to engage sexually, rape, etc.
Psychological & Emotional Violence
Using power and control to alter one’s mental state or wellbeing.
May include threats, intimidation, control, accusations, possessiveness, etc.
Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence may begin with being seemingly harmless (possessiveness, exclusivity, etc.); however, over time, it can escalate to extreme control and abuse.
Some examples of signs of domestic violence include, but are not limited to:
Minimizing significant other’s actions or words
Physical indicators (bruising, bleeding, broken bones, etc.)
Low self-esteem, “no voice” in their relationship, or
Not showing up to work, school, or other important life obligations.
Supports for Domestic Violence
For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now.