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Domestic Abuse Information and Resources

Domestic Abuse, defined, is a pattern of behaviors involving physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, alone or in combination, by an intimate partner often for the purpose of establishing or maintaining power and control over the other partner. While domestic violence occurs in all types of relationships it is overwhelmingly a problem of violence perpetrated by men against women.

Examples Include:
Physical Abuse

• Slapping
• Punching
• Kicking
• Use of weapons throwing objects
• Denial of physical needs (food, sleep, medical attention)

Sexual Abuse:

• Non-consenting sexual acts/behaviors
• Use of force (including threats/weapons)
• "Guilt-tripping" partner into having sex
• Degrading or sexually attacking comments aimed at partner
• Any touch that is unwanted

Emotional Abuse:

• Blaming partner for everything that goes wrong
• Controlling what partner does, wears, reads
• Limiting contact with family & friends
• Threats of future abuse
• Tells children, family or friends lies about partner

Economic Abuse:

• Control of assets, car, credit cards
• Refusal to let partner get a job
• Puts bills in partner's name, then runs up charges
• Refusal of access to money, food, clothing and other basic needs