Domestic Violence
Definition: Violent or controlling behavior by a person toward a partner, usually a wife, girlfriend, or lover. Although the partner is the primary target, violence is often directed toward children as well, and sometimes toward family members, friends, and even bystanders in attempts to control their partner.
Here are a few common tactics used by perpetrators of domestic violence against their partners.
- Wants to know where partner is at all times. track what you are doing all the time?
- Is very jealous, makes accusations of unfaithfulness.
- Discourages partner's relationships with family and friends
- Attempts to prevent partner from working, attending school, or participating in other independent activities.
- Criticizes partner constantly
- Forces partner to account for every penny spent
- Withholds food, money sleep, or other basic needs.
- Humiliates partner in front of friends
- Destroy personal property or sentimental items
- Injures or threatens to injure pets
- Threatens to hurt or kill partner, partner's family or children
- Uses or threatens to use a weapon
- Hits, punches, slaps, kicks, bites, pushes, pulls hair, holds down, partner.
- Force sex against partner's will
Where can I go for more in depth information about this topic?
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (also see our off-line resources page for more hotlines and clearinghouse numbers).
Visit these sites dedicated to ending family violence for lots more information on this topic, including statistics, other resources to get help for yourself or others etc.
- SafetyNet Domestic Violence Resources
- Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
- Domestic Violence, Family Violence and Child Abuse Page
- Diana's Domestic Violence Page
- Phenomenal Women of the Web Against Domestic Violence
- Family Violence and Animal Abuse
- Women Helping Battered Women
- Domestic Violence Hotlines and Resources
