Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior within an intimate relationship where one person tries to control the thoughts, beliefs or conduct of another person. It can include physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual,identity and/or economic abuse.
Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence and dating violence, happens in lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender (LGBT) as well as straight communities. It crosses all social, ethnic, racial religious and economic lines.
Domestic violence may include but is not limited to:
Physical abuse: hitting, choking, slapping, burning, shoving, using a weapon, neglecting, locking in a room.
Isolation: restricting freedom, controlling personal/social contacts, access to information and participation in groups or organizations.
Threats and Intimidation: threatening harm, threatening children, family or friends, threatening to make reports to authorities that would jeopardize child custody, immigration or legal status.
Identity Abuse: threatening to reveal LGBT identity to family, neighbors, employers, ex-spouses, or city, state, and/or federal authorities.
Sexual Abuse: forcing sex or specific acts, assaulting "sexual parts," withholding sex, criticizing.
Property Destruction: destroying mementos, breaking furniture/windows, smashing objects. Using Children or Pets: using custody of children to control or intimidate, threatening to harm pets, threatening to take pets in a separation.
If you are in immediate danger or want more information, please contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline:
