Domestic Violence Program
WHAT IS BATTERING (DOMESTIC VIOLENCE)?
Domestic violence is the use of abusive, controlling, and/or
violent behavior among people who are married, living together, or have ongoing or prior intimate
relationship. This behavior can be any combination of physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological
control, or may involve the use of threats of violence to control another's behavior.
Domestic Violence may begin with verbal or mental abuse, eventually escalating to physical abuse,
which can lead to permanent injury or even death. Once a woman has been hit, the frequency and
severity of the abuse is likely to increase over time.
Abusers often use power and control tactics over their partners, such as criticism, mind games, blaming,
and economic control. This may result in a feeling of isolation, dependency, lowered self esteem,
and a general feeling of "craziness". Often women feel trapped in their situation because they are afraid of
future attacks, have little support and understanding from people around them, have few resources,
and still may want their relationship to work out.
"You don't have to be bruised to be battered."
In America today, WOMEN are on the edge of violence.
Sources: WAC Stats: The Facts About Women (The New Press); Women's Work Programs, Liz Claiborne, Inc.
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