Domestic violence is a pattern of tactics used intentionally to gain and maintain control over a partner.
- Abuse can be physical, psychological, emotional, financial and/or sexual.
- Physical abuse includes restraining, pinching, biting, pushing, punching and choking.
- Emotional abuse includes name calling, put downs, threats, jealousy, and isolation.
- Sexual abuse includes withholding physical intimacy, unwanted fondling, touching or molestation, sexual harassment and rape.
- All abuse will increase in frequency and lethality over time, if the abuser does not get help for his behavior.
Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their race, age, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic level or sexual orientation. Domestic Violence will continue in our community unless there is a coordinated community response. As a society we need to send the message — legally and socially – that domestic violence is not acceptable. It is crucial for men to be a part of this effort.
- 90-95% of all domestic violence involves men perpetrating violence against women.
- The other 5-10% is comprised of men being abused by women, men abusing men, or women abusing women in same-gender relationships.
