Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive behavior characterized by the domination and control of one person over another, usually an intimate partner, through physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual and/or economic abuse.
Types of Abuse
Domestic violence can take on many forms. Some examples of types of violence include:
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Physical abuse – includes hitting, punching, choking, and restraining or blocking exits so the victim cannot leave
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Psychological abuse – includes threats to harm or kill the victim, threats to commit suicide, threats to loved ones and/or pets, intimidating gestures or actions, displaying weapons, and downplaying the abuse
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Emotional abuse – includes invalidating feelings, being jealous, withholding affection, not allowing the victim to sleep, stalking, and blaming the victim
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Verbal abuse – includes swearing, name calling, insulting the victim, and yelling
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Sexual abuse – forcing sex, criticizing how the victim dresses, withholding sex, threatening to or having an affair, comparing sex with the victim to sex with others, and demanding sex as payment
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Economic abuse – limiting access to money, controlling the money or making the victim explain every expense, closing bank accounts, and creating debt
Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship
Being able to tell the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships can be more difficult. No two relationships are the same, so what’s unhealthy in one relationship may be abusive in another. Although there are many signs to pay attention to in a relationship, look for these common warning signs of dating abuse:
- Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity
- Constant belittling or put-downs
- Explosive temper
- Isolation from family and friends
- Making false accusations
- Constant mood swings towards you
- Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
- Possessiveness
- Telling someone what they can and cannot do
- Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence please call our 24/7 hotline (757) 787-1329 to learn more about the options and resources available to help.