Domestic Violence Overview
Domestic Violence Resources
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that occurs between individuals in intimate relationships. While domestic violence is typically associated with those who are married or dating, domestic violence may also occur between family members who reside together in the same household. Anyone may become a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.
What types of abuse constitute domestic violence?
Domestic violence typically takes the form of physical, emotional or financial abuse. Abuse may constitute domestic violence even if a victim's injuries are not severe. A victim should seek help at the first sign of abuse.
- Physical Abuse. Physical abuse involves any type of physical violence against another person, including hitting, shoving, hair-pulling, pinching, grabbing someone forcefully, etc. Physical abuse may also take the form of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse includes rape, violent sexual acts, and sexual exploitation of minors.
- Emotional Abuse. Emotional abuse occurs when a person engages in a pattern of intentionally hurtful behavior, including name-calling, personal insults, etc. Emotional abuse may also take the form of threats of violence against the victim or the victim's friends and family, stalking, harassment, psychological manipulation, and forcing isolation from a victim's loved ones, school, or work.
- Financial Abuse. Financial abuse involves stealing, manipulating another person's bank account or financial records, withholding money for necessities, or forcing a victim to be financially dependant on the abuser.
What is the "cycle" of domestic violence?
The cycle of domestic violence refers to the phases of mistreatment experienced by individuals in most abusive relationships. During the early stages of the domestic violence cycle, the abuser may engage in mild levels of emotional and/or physical abuse. The victim may become accustomed to this behavior and may find ways to rationalize it or block it out. The abuse, however, typically continues and eventually increases in frequency and intensity. At some point, the abusive behavior becomes extreme and the victim realizes that he or she is being abused. The peak of abusive behavior may take the form of one violent episode, or a series of episodes. This phase, known as the "crisis phase," is often followed by a period of calm. The abuser is often extremely remorseful, and may promise to change or seek help. The victim typically forgives the abuser and the abuser regains the victim's trust. In most cases, however, the abuser uses this opportunity to again initiate the cycle of domestic violence.
What should I do if I am the victim of domestic violence?
If an abusive episode has resulted in physical injuries or property damage, the victim should immediately call the police and seek medical attention, if necessary. The abuser may be arrested and sent to jail or forced to engage in anger management classes. Next, the victim should obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). A TRO is a court order that prohibits the abuser from coming into contact (physical contact, as well as contact over the phone or via the internet) with the victim, or the victim's family. A TRO is free of cost to a victim and may be obtained the same day that it is sought. A judge may decide to extend the TRO or issue a permanent injunction if the judge is convinced that the victim requires continued protection.
What resources are available to victims of domestic violence?
A number of resources are available to victims of domestic violence. The first step to recovery may be speaking with an outsider about the abusive relationship. Domestic violence agencies, hotlines and support groups may unite victims and help them identify patterns of abuse and mistreatment. Many communities also provide temporary housing for victims of domestic violence. Shelters for battered and abused women and children provide a safe environment where victims can transition out of an abusive relationship and into a life that is free from domestic violence.