What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.

It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional/psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence varies dramatically.

Domestic Violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of control and dominance.

Domestic Violence is often more than an isolated incident. It is a recurring cycle of violence that often increases in severity over time.

Two hands holding a purple awareness ribbon on a light purple background.

Types of Domestic Violence

Physical Abuse

  • Hitting

  • Kicking

  • Spitting

  • Choking

  • Shaking

  • Throwing Objects

Emotional Abuse

  • Humiliation

  • Intimidation

  • Name Calling

  • Extreme Jealousy

  • Controlling Behavior

  • Gas Lighting

  • Isolation from Friends and Family

Financial Abuse

  • Financial isolation through limited access to money

  • Controlling financial decision without partner’s consent

Sexual Abuse

  • Forcing or coercing sexual acts through manipulation or threat

  • Non-consensual sexual contact or acts

The power and control wheel is an important tool used to identify abusive behaviors in any sort of relationship. This includes relationships with your significant other, friends, and co-workers. Any type of relationship can have an abusive partner, this is here to help identify those behaviors.

Diagram illustrating different types of violence and control in abusive relationships, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, with descriptions of behaviors associated with each.
A circular infographic titled 'Economic Abuse Power and Control Wheel' with sections listing various behaviors associated with economic abuse, such as causing partner to be late to work, stalking at work, sabotaging performance, filling false accusations, withholding paperwork, refusing to sign documents, manipulating finances, denying access to family support, and threatening report or eviction.

Resources

Domestic Violence Shelters:

Other Resources: