April 04, 2010
Learn the Facts
Domestic violence can be defined as: a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.
Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800)799-7233. You are not alone.
The majority of domestic violence victims are women. 1 in 3 women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point during their lives.
More than 32 million Americans are affected by domestic violence each year.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women.
