DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a learned pattern of physical, verbal, sexual and/or emotional behavior in which one person in a relationship uses force and intimidation to dominate or control the other person. The partners may be married or not; heterosexual or homosexual; living together, separated, dating, have a child in common; or related by blood. Domestic violence occurs within all ethnic groups, all religions, all economic brackets, and all degrees of physical and mental ability, all categories of sexual preference, and all age groups.
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The Statistics
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1 in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
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1.3 million Women are survivors of domestic violence each year.
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85% of domestic violence survivors are women.
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Sexual assault or forced sex occurs in approximately 40-45% of abusive relationships.
What You Can Do
You always have options. You can:
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Contact a crisis center or shelter for information and support.
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Attend a domestic violence survivor support group.
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Seek counseling.
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Go to a shelter or stay with family or friends.
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Take legal action.