What Is Domestic Violence?

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Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive or violent behavior used to obtain power and control over a person with whom you have a present or previous association.

Domestic Violence is not an isolated event, but a pattern of behaviors used to manipulate or coerce another person over a period of time. Each form of abuse builds on the previous abuse, which sets the stage for further episodes.

Without intervention, each incident is likely to become more frequent and more severe. 

Domestic Violence is intentional manipulative and coercive behavior that attacks the self-esteem of the victim.

 “household member” means a spouse, former spouse or family member, including a relative, parent, present or former step-parent, preset or former in-law, a co-parent of a child or a person with whom a person has had a continuing personal relationship. Cohabitation is not necessary to be deemed a household member for the purposes of the Crimes Against Household Members Act. 

•  Hits, strangles, kicks, bites, burns or restrains you
• Harms you bodily with or without a weapon
• Prevents you from leaving or calling for help 

•   Threats of violence to you or themselves (including suicide)
• Threats to take children
• Attacks/threats of harm to pets or personal property
• Accusations about friends, actions and relationships

•   Severe emotional distress
• Isolates you from friends and family
• Humiliates, blames, neglects, degrades
• Attacks self-esteem and self-worth
• Jealous and accusatory 

•   Forced Sex
• Spousal rape
• Treated like a sex object
• Prevented from using birth control or condoms 

•   Threatens economic status and basic needs
• Controls the money