LEARN ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (DV)

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic violence crosses all age, ethnic, socioeconomic, religious, and educational boundaries. There are doctors, ministers, psychologists, police, attorneys, judges, and other professionals who beat their partners. Although battering occurs in lesbian and gay male relationships as well, it is usually men who perpetrate violence against women.

At the center of domestic violence is the batterer’s need for power and control over his partner. The abuser establishes this power and control often through intimidation, threats, or the use of physical violence. This behavior is against the law.

One can find many types of abuse in a home where domestic violence occurs. Behaviors used to maintain fear, intimidation and power can include:

Emotional abuse – using words to hurt, harm or threaten

Economic abuse – preventing a partner from working or maintaining tight control over her income

Sexual abuse – forcing a partner to have intercourse or do sexual acts that make her uncomfortable

Using children – threatening to take the children away or using them to relay messages

Threats – threatening to leave the family or commit suicide

Intimidation – smashing objects or abusing pets

Isolation – limiting a partner’s contact with friends and family

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