Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a repetitive pattern of behaviors to maintain power and control over an intimate partner. These are behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. Abuse includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation.

Many of these different forms of abuse can be going on at any one time and can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background. Domestic violence is not limited to couples who are married. Couples who are living together or who are dating can also experience domestic violence.

Domestic violence isn’t present in the same ways in every relationship. Every relationship is different, and every abusive partner will exhibit abusive behaviors in different ways. However, in most abusive relationships, the abusive partner engages in multiple different behaviors to have more power and control over their partner.

Things to Consider When Helping a Potential Victim of Abuse:

• It is important to talk to the victim in a private, safe spot

• It is important to voice your concern without any judgement of the victim

• Try to use “I” statements to communicate with the victim

  The goal is to help them realize the power and control they have to make good decisions in order to empower them to make the decision of leaving the situation on their own. Using “I” statements when communicating can avoid focusing on how terrible the relationship/abuser is or why the victim is with the abuser. Regardless of what the victim decides, it is important to be encouraging and to let the victim know you are there for them whenever they need you.