Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. It is also referred to as domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, or battering. Domestic violence happens in intimate adult relationships, teen dating relationships, same-sex relationships, and sometimes continues even after the relationship has ended. Because 90% of domestic victims in heterosexual relationships are female, we will refer to the victim as female and the abuser as male. Saving Grace’s Surviving Domestic Violence packet contains a wealth of information about domestic violence.

People often think of domestic violence as acts of physical violence only. However, domestic violence can take many forms, such as physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. Following are some examples:

Physical Abuse

· Pushing, shoving, or restraining

· Shaking, pulling , jerking, or hair pulling

· Squeezing, pinching, slapping, or biting

· Causing injuries that require medical treatment

· Strangulation

· Using weapons

Emotional/Social Abuse

· Intimidating or threatening you

· Putting you down or demeaning you

· Making you feel crazy or playing mind games

· Preventing you from seeing your friends and family