A pattern of behavior used by an individual to establish and maintain power and control over their intimate partner
Domestic Violence
The behavior includes abusive tactics, threats and actions that may or may not rise to the level of criminal behavior. The tactics may include physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone. It looks different in every relationship and no one experiences it in the same way. Although it may look different, there is always an underlying theme of control. When one person tries to control their intimate partner, that isn't love, it's abuse.
Behaviors & Tactics
There Are Many Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Financial Abuse
Exerting Dominance and Privilege
Threats, Coercion, Intimidation
Sexual Abuse
Technological Abuse
Isolation
Spiritual Abuse
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Stalking
Cultural Abuse
Using Children and Pets
From 2016 – 2018, intimate partner violence victimizations in the US increased 42%. (Bureau of Justice Statistics 2019)
African American women experience IPV at a rate 35% higher than white women and 2.5 X higher than women of other races. (Women of Color Network, 2016)
1 in 3 Latinas experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. (Smith, S.G., et al., National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010-2012 state report. 2017)
44% of lesbian women and 61% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner as opposed to 35% of heterosexual women. (National Coalition Against...
Every month, an average of 57 women are killed with a gun by their intimate partner. (Everytown, date unknown)
54% of transgender individuals experienced some form of intimate partner violence. (National Center for Transgender Equality, 2015)
The Impact is Real
Physical
Scars, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, sexual dysfunction
Mental
Post-Traumatic Stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts or attempts, alcohol and substance use
Emotional
Inability to trust themselves, low self-esteem
Spiritual
Losing or doubting faith
Financial
Loss of job and/or earning potential, damaged credit, inability to take out loans, homelessness
Relationships
Loss of friendships because of isolation, unable to trust future partners, damaged relationships with children
If You Are Impacted by Domestic Violence
Get Help
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