Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence and abuse happens for one reason which is to gain and maintain total control over a person. The abuser does not treat their victims fairly. Abusers use fear, guilt, shame, and intimidation to wear down a person's self esteem. This allows the abuser to control the person they are abusing. The abuser may also threaten and harm their victim or people associated with the victim. Domestic violence can happen to anyone. It happens to elders, men, women, and children. Women are more commonly victimized but men are also abused. Abusive behavior is never acceptable! A person deserves to feel valued, respected, and safe.

Types of Abuse

Abuse comes in many forms. Abuse is not always physical. An abuser can cause harm to their victims through emotional abuse. Verbal abuse can cause severe health issues leading to depression and even suicide. It is important to know what types of abuse there is and to recognize the signs.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as the use of physical force that may result in pain and bodily harm. Physical abuse may include acts of violence such as striking, hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse is defined as the infliction of severe mental or physical pain or suffering through verbal or nonverbal acts. Emotional/psychological abuse includes verbal assaults, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and harassment.

Sexual Abuse

Any situation in which you are forced to participate in non consensual sexual activity is sexual abuse. Forced sex, even by a spouse or intimate partner with whom you also have consensual sex, is an act of hostility and violence. People whose partners abuse them physically and sexually are at a higher risk of being seriously injured or killed.