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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and violent behavior that is designed to establish and maintain power and control over one’s partner. This issue affects individuals regardless of age, education level, sexual preference, sexual identity, class, ethnicity, race, religion, marital status, etc.
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Abuse occurs in many forms. Although it is not always easy to immediately recognize an abusive relationship, knowing some of the signs of domestic violence can help save a life.
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In addition to the forms of abuse described below, sexual assault frequently occurs within a violent relationship. Visit our Sexual Assault page for more information.
Resources for Victims & Advocates
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Re-presenting Battered Women: Coercive Control and the Defense of Liberty, a 2012 article on coercive control from Stop Violence Against Women
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What is Domestic Violence? from Safe Voices
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Types of Abuse from love is respect
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The Intersection Between Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
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How to Have an Informed Conversation About Domestic Violence, a fact sheet with tips from National Network to End Domestic Violence
KNOW THE SIGNS
Physical Abuse
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Pushing
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Hitting
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Biting
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Spitting
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Strangulation
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Physical intimidation
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Destroying victim's property
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Throwing objects
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Burning
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Harming children or pets
Emotional Abuse
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Belittling
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Name calling
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Mocking
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Humiliation
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Minimizing abuse
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Shifting blame to victim
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Controlling and/or monitoring victim’s behavior
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Demeaning victim in front of children, friends, or family
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Threats to harm or kill victim
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Threats to harm or kill victim’s children or pets
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Gaslighting
Economic Abuse
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Controlling all finances
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Preventing victim from working
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Creating debt for victim without their consent or knowledge
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Demanding victim’s paycheck
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Ensuring all assets are in their name rather than victim’s
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Controlling use of a vehicle
PREVALENCE OF DVSAS CRIMES
Domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS) are serious crimes affecting about half the population. Shame, stigma, and lack of awareness often keep these issues in the dark, but you are not alone.
Over half of women and almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes.
About 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
Almost half of all people in the US have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
11% of stalking cases last more than 5 years.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience stalking at some point in their lives.
Resources from TFC's Blog
To learn more about some of the key issues intersecting with domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, visit our Resources page.
We Are Here to Help
If you need assistance with safety planning, getting an Order of Protection, accessing legal services, or would just like emotional support, The Friendship Center can help. If you or a loved one is struggling and want to request services or simply talk about the situation, reach out to our office. All our services are free and confidential.