WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
 


Domestic violence, also known as "battering" or "spouse/partner abuse," is a pattern of gender-based intimate partner, dating, or family violence with a central dynamic of power and control. The abusive behavior is intended to harm the physical or mental well being of the victim. It can be inflicted by a current or former partner and can be psychological, physical, economic or sexual in nature.

Rarely is domestic violence an isolated incident; it is a pattern of coercive behavior intended to exert control and domination by the offender over the victim. The recurring abusive incidents usually escalate in frequency and severity and can result in serious physical injury, disablement or death without outside intervention to protect the victim, stop the violence and hold the perpetrator accountable.
  SIGNS OF ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR
    There are many kinds of abusive behavior. The following is a list of some possible signs. This list is not complete and chances are you might think of other experiences of abuse, which are not listed. 
  Physical Abuse
Pushing * Slapping * Biting * Kicking * Choking * Burning * Using any kind of weapon against you * Withholding access to medication, medical care, wheelchair, food, fluids, and sleep …
  Psychological Abuse
Name-calling * Blaming *Repeatedly making and breaking promises * Not permitting contact with friends and family * Threatening to harm self * Threatening to harm you, your family, your friends, or your pets * Instilling or attempting to instill fear by using intimidation * Monitoring movements * Destroying pets or property * Harassment and blackmail * Sabotaging a partner's relationship with children * Threatening to kidnap children * Outing same sex partners, threatening to out same sex partners . . .
 
Sexual Abuse
Rape * Assaults to the genital area or breasts * Forced sexual activity with a third person * Withholding or demanding frequent sex . . .
 
Economic Abuse
Refusing to work or to be responsible for financial affairs * Preventing you from keeping a job or from attending school * Making you ask for money * Taking money away * Not letting you know about or have access to family income *
 
Harmful Effects of Domestic Violence    
  • Death due to murder, suicide or self-defense
  • Fear, anger, depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Frequent tardiness and absences from work or school
  • Confusion about love, sex, and violence
  • Alcohol and/or drug dependency
  • Delinquency
  • Low self-esteem
  • Physical injury
 

Source: Sanctuary for Families Staff.

 
 
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