Domestic Violence is abuse by one person in a current or former intimate relationship in order to maintain power and control over the other person.
The Many Forms of Abuse
The abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, verbal, social, economic, emotional, psychological, and environmental. It effects both parties involved, their children, their families, and their friends. No one deserves to be abused. Often times Domestic Violence:
- Is a learned behavior
- Is often repeated and escalated
- Is coercive and targeted
- Is present in all ages, races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, religions, economic levels, and educational levels
- Creates an environment of fear and intimidation