Why does discussing domestic violence matter?
- 1 in 4 women will be affected by domestic violence in her lifetime
- Over 7,000 domestic violence cases were reported locally last year
- Typically DV is reported after the 8th incident
What is Domestic Violence?
- Most people associate domestic violence solely with physical abuse.
Domestic violence is much more:
- It’s a pattern of coercive behavior
- Power and control in the relationship is unbalanced between the two partners
- Utilizes intimidation, threatening, harm, and harassment
- Intentionally or recklessly restricts the freedom of one of the partners
Types of Abuse
Emotional
Name-calling, put-downs, criticizing, humiliating, yelling, intimidating, using the children, coercion. Minimizing (“you’re not that hurt”) denying, neglecting, leaving/abandoning. Threatening (to kill, physically harm, take the kids, to commit suicide), destroying property, mind games. Controlling (isolating, limiting freedom, friends, attire, money, etc.), interrogating. Terrorizing, stalking, following.
Physical
Pinching, flicking, restraining, pulling or yanking on hair/arms/legs, twisting arms/wrists. Pushing, shoving, wrestling/tackling, blocking from leaving, grabbing, pinning down. Punching, slapping, kicking, stomping, biting, and scratching. Choking, stabbing, throwing, burning, and shooting.
Sexual
Forcing unwanted sexual acts. Forcing victim to dress provocatively. Forced prostitution. Forced viewing of or participating in pornography. Rape.
Financial
Withholding money or access to family finances; including information about them. Keeping or taking victim’s paycheck. Forcing victim to live within unrealistic allowance or forcing victim to beg for money. Prohibiting victim from working.
Spiritual
Attacking religious or spiritual beliefs, using scripture to justify abuse.
Homophobic
Threatening to “out” the victim’s sexual orientation
Immigration Status
Using fear of deportation
Destructive Habits
Destruction of the victim’s property, vandalism, harming or killing pets
Reasons for Staying
You may ask yourself, “Why does it matter that I learn about domestic violence?”
If you yourself aren’t affected, someone you know will be.
Many people ask the question, “Why doesn’t she just leave?”
