What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Family violence is a pattern of exercised control that physically harms, induces fear, prevents another from doing what he/she wishes, of forces him/her to perform in ways he/she does not want to.

Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, those in or formerly in a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a biological or legal parent child relationship.

Family violence can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Abusive behavior can involve the following:

• Fear of physical harm
• Deprivation of food, sleep, or money
• Hair pulling, biting, kicking, pushing, pinching, or punching
• Isolation
• Intimidation with a weapon
• Dangerous driving to intimidate
• Restraining from leave-taking
• Forced intercourse
• Name calling
• Threats
• Destruction of someone's possessions or even their pets

How is your relationship? Do you feel safe when you are with your partner? Answer the questions on our short quiz to see if you might be in an abusive relationship.

Domestic Violence - A Community Concern