Pikeville Safe Place - What is Domestic Violence

Home What is Domestic Violence Have you been abused?
Abusers think...
Domestic Violence & Abusive Relationships Breaking the Cycle Children are Victims, Too! The Facts Teen Violence Board of Directors Links News Contact Us Clearing Your Browser Find a Job

What is Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is...

...any physical or psychological harm experienced by one person from another with whom an intimate relationship is or has been shared.
Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. This often includes violence or threats of violence. Not all forms of domestic violence are against the law and there are not always physical signs of abuse. Physical violence and threats of physical violence are most likely to lead to arrest. Hurtful words and controlling behaviors leave scars in their own way.

Victims of violence Experience...

...intimidation, manipulation, fear, name calling, punched walls, broken belongings, being shove/beaten/choked/kicked, criticism, forced sex, control of finances, lying, depression, crying and afraid children, sexist comments, scrapes and bruises, abandonment, confusion, shame, slammed doors, silent treatment, feelings of craziness, humiliation in public, drinking and fighting, violence to pets, broken promises, unwanted touching, isolation from family and friends, guilt, threats to take away the children, threats to kick them out, threats to kill them...