What is Domestic Violence
Empower & Inform Yourself
Abuse in a relationship is any act used to gain power and control over another person. People who are abused physically are often isolated. Their partners tend to control their lives to a great extent as well as verbally degrade them.
One in four women and one in seven men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
There are so many misconceptions about domestic abuse.
Is domestic abuse something that should be kept in the family? Is it loss of control? Are abusers violent in all relationships? Inform yourself and learn about the facts that answer these common misconceptions.
Misconceptions
- Believe it’s your fault.
- Think that abuse is only physical.
- Think that there’s no way out.
Facts
- Feeling angry, sad, lonely, depressed or confused is common for those being abused
- Abuse can be in the form of physical, emotional, and verbal attacks.
- Friends, family, and organizations are here to help you out.
Abuse can happen to anyone at any time. You don't have to face it alone. We are here to help.
Take a test to find out if you are being abused.
My son got caught in the cross fire. He almost got hit and I said to myself, if you’re not gonna leave for yourself, leave for your son. I sold my engagement ring to pay for an attorney to get an order of protection, and we went to The Retreat, to begin to heal.
Anonymous Survivor
I was scared I couldn’t live without him. But once he was gone, I realized I could provide for my family. I was better off without him. I told him the day I leave you is forever.
Shelter Resident
Someone once told my daughter that when a boy is mean to you, it means he likes you. But I say to them, there is never a time when someone being mean to you is love. Ever. There is never a time when someone hurting you translates to love.
Anonymous Survivor
What you can do now
Our hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Chat with us Live
Chat services are available 24-hours a day for basic information. To speak to someone in detail, call our hotline.
Explore Resources
Not sure where to start? Find the most relevant resources available based on your current situation.
