What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is any act or threatened act of harm that is used to maintain power and control over another person with whom an intimate relationship is shared – regardless of their legal status. Domestic violence can include physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and sexual abuse. Although men can be victims of domestic violence, the vast majority (over 85%) of victims are women.
Every nine seconds in America, a woman is affected by domestic violence. Some possible signs of abuse include:
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Dictating what partner is to do, how to dress, or whom to see/talk to |
| • | Insisting on spending the majority of time together
(isolation from friends and family) |
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Destruction of pets and property: holes in walls,
kicking/hitting pets and destroying and damaging property |
| • | Rapid mood swings, unpredictable behavior, and anger
that is out of proportion with the situation |
| • | Hitting, choking, kicking, shoving and throwing objects at a partner |
| • | Sexual abuse: rape, sexual exploitation, unwanted sex |
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Partner threatening to hurt the children or themselves.
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