Info source: Domestic Violence Awareness Project – About Domestic Violence

About Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is best understood as a pattern of abusive behaviors — including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion — used by one intimate partner against another (adult or adolescent) to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Batterers use of a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill a current or former intimate partner.

For more general information about domestic violence, including potential warning signs for emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s information page: What is Domestic Violence? The Safe Space, a project of Break the Cycle, also provides more information about Types of Abuse commonly experienced by youth in dating relationships.

How do I know if I’m a victim?
The Power and Control Wheel [PDF] developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, MN is a helpful tool in illustrating the overall pattern of abusive and violent behaviors that can be used by someone to establish and maintain control over their partner. Below are additional resources and tools to help you evaluate the safety and health of your relationship.

What can I do to get help for myself?
Through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE [7233] or TTY 1-800-787-3224), help is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services. If you or someone you know is frightened about something in your relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (www.loveisrespect.org, 1-866-331-9474, or TTY 1-866-331-8453) provides help and resources, including confidential online support, for teens who are concerned about what is going on in their relationships.

To learn about nearby domestic violence shelters, victim advocacy programs, or other services for victims, contact your state’s domestic violence coalition. A complete list of up-to-date contact information for all domestic and sexual violence coalitions across the United States and its Territories can be found at www.VAWnet.org.

What are signs that a friend or family member might be a victim, and how can I help them?
Family members and friends may feel overwhelmed or frightened if they are abused by a partner. In addition to the resources listed above, the materials below may help you determine if your friend or family member is in danger and assist you in talking with them.

If your friend or family member is abusive, you may be interested in Understanding Batterers & Batterer Behavior. In addition, the resources provided below are designed to assist you in talking with them.

How can I talk to my children about healthy relationships and domestic violence?
VAWnet’s Special Collection, Working with Children Towards a Healthy & Non-Violent Future, provides resources focusing on theories and strategies for raising respectful, non-violent people.

How can I raise awareness in my community?
To stop domestic violence, we all need to be part of the solution. Helping a friend who is being abused, speaking up about abuse, educating yourself and others, and supporting your local domestic violence program are all examples of things we can do to help. Materials listed below highlight simple steps that individuals and communities can take to help end domestic violence.

To read more about domestic and sexual violence prevention, intervention, public policy, research, and funding, please visit VAWnet, the National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women.