What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is about one person getting and keeping power and control over another person in an intimate or family relationship. It is a pattern of abusive behavior where one person uses physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation, and emotional, sexual, or economic abuse to control and change the behavior of the other partner.
Domestic violence happens to people of all ages, ethnicities, religions, and income levels.
Are you experiencing domestic violence?
Are you unsure? Ask yourself these questions.
Are you afraid of your partner?
Has your partner ever hurt or threatened to hurt you or someone you care about?
Does your partner force you to engage in sexual activities that make you uncomfortable?
Do you constantly worry about your partner’s moods and change your behavior to deal with them?
Does your partner try to control where you go, what you do and who you see?
Does your partner constantly accuse you of having affairs?
Have you stopped seeing family or friends to avoid your partner’s jealousy or anger?
Does your partner control your finances?
Does he/she threaten to kill himself/herself if you leave?
Does your partner claim his/her temper is out of control due to alcohol, drugs, or because he/she had an abusive childhood?
If yes, here are steps you can take.
Your safety is the priority.
Call the police or sheriff. Insist on a report.
Seek medical care immediately. Let the doctors know you’ve been abused.
Keep detailed records of incidents of abuse, violence, and behavior patterns that scare you or don’t feel right.
Arrange to stay with friends or family, rent a room, or call for emergency housing.
DO NOT let your partner isolate you from those who can help you in the future. Talk to someone you trust.
Trust your instincts.
Develop a safety plan. If you need help with this, contact us at (208) 940-0600.