Domestic
Violence
Domestic Violence is a pattern of Coercive tactics that can
include physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional
abuse, perpetrated by one person against an intimate partners,
with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control.
Domestic Violence occurs in all kinds of intimate relationships,
including married couples, people who are dating, couples who
live together, people with children in common, same-sex
partners, people who were formerly in a relationship with the
person abusing them, and teen dating relationships.
Abusive behaviors are not symptoms that someone is angry or
out of control. An abuser makes a choice to exert power and
control over his or her partner. Abusive behaviors include
physical, emotional, sexual, social, and financial abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse often begins with less violent assaults such as
pushing. As the abuse continues, however, it becomes
increasingly violent. Abusers often target areas of the body that
are usually covered with clothing because the injuries are less
likely to be visible to others. Acts of physical abuse include:
• Pushing
• Restraining
• Shaking
• Slapping
• Biting
• Punching
• Kicking
• Throwing objects at the victim
• Target hitting
• Sustained beating
• Abuse planned to cause the victim to miscarry
• Using weapons
• Strangulation
• Homicide
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is a tool used by those who want to make their
partners feel scared, crazy, worthless, or responsible for the
abuse. The abuser's goal is control over the victim. Emotional
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