What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a crime involving a pattern of abusive behavior in intimate relationships where one partner tries to control and dominate the other.  The behavior may be physically, sexually, psychologically, or verbally abusive, with the victim left feeling scared, confused, dependent, and insecure.  The children of a battered parent must contend with these same fears and realities.  (Definition provided by CCADV – Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

            Did you know that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States?  Every 15 seconds a woman in this country is abused.  It can happen to anyone at any time. 

            Many people deny that domestic violence could ever be part of their lives.  The truth is most of us have a family member, a friend, a co-worker or an acquaintance who is suffering from an abusive relationship.  Sometimes it is easier to deny the problem than to face it head-on and ask for help.  But abusive relationships do not change without intervention.

            No matter whom you are, abuse is wrong and you do not deserve it.  It does not matter if you are rich or poor, married or single, heterosexual or homosexual.  It does not matter what race or religion you are.  Domestic violence knows no boundaries and affects all of us.  Abuse can be disguised in many forms.  It can be physical, emotional, verbal, and/or sexual.  You may feel controlled by money or isolated from family and friends. 

            In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are at a high risk of suffering physical abuse themselves.  Whether or not children are physically abused, the emotional effects of witnessing domestic violence are as traumatic as being a victim of child abuse.  Please do not fool yourself into thinking that your children don’t know what is happening and are not affected by the abuse in your home.  Kids catch on quickly and learn how to become abusive or victimized.

The next step is yours.  Right now, you may be questioning if you should trust yourself, your emotions, and what you have just read.  Only you know how you feel at this moment.  It takes a lot of courage and self-respect to reach out for help.  But there is help and support just a phone call away.  Picking up the phone now may help you open a window and give you a new outlook on your life.

Call the Network any time for more information.  Our services are free of charge and all information is confidential – we do not subscribe to Caller ID.