Domestic violence is the number one cause of injury to women in the United States. Husbands or boyfriends are the killers of more than 30 percent of all female homicide victims. Domestic violence is a crime. Domestic violence cuts across all social-economic lines. It not only directly affects the victim, but also children who witness or hear the abuse.
Forms of Violence
Physical abuse is the most commonly recognized form of abuse. It involves hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, shoving, choking, biting, pinching and assault with any object that can cause injury.
Sexual abuse and rape include any inappropriate or unwanted sexual attention. When a woman has been forced to have sex against her will by a spouse or partner, she has been raped.
Verbal and emotional abuse can even be more damaging than physical abuse. Constant criticism, degrading remarks, name calling, accusations and threats will eventually erode self-esteem. Threats to hit or kill the other person, to leave, to take the children away or to withdraw financial support cause the victim to live in fear. Such intimidation is psychologically abusive and traumatic. Destruction of personal property is also a form of emotional abuse.
Signals of Possible Violence
Women can learn to recognize the warning signs that someone could be violent while they are still in a dating relationship. The potential for problems exists if your dating partner: |
 Was abused as a child |
| Loses his temper more often than is appropriate - often expressing his anger in violent ways such as hitting a wall or furniture |
| Has already revealed violent attitudes or actions toward others |
| Drinks too much or abuses other drugs |
| Is unusually possessive - wanting to know where you are, whom you are with and what you are doing at all times |
| May have very strict traditional ideas about the roles of men and women in relationships |
If Violence Happens or is Threatened
Think first of your safety. Get away from the violent person as quickly as you can.
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| Reach out for help. Contact family members, friends, police, counselors or a women's shelter or abuse center. Local Agencies include the Children's Inn (338-4880) and Citizens Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV 339-0116). |
| Remember, you cannot change another person's violent behavior. Giving in to demands, trying to please, pacifying, giving one more chance - will not have a long-term affect. |
| Remember, violence does not just go away. Once it begins, it usually keeps happening and usually continues to get worse. It becomes a cycle of abuse. You can break the cycle by refusing to be a victim. |
