DEFINING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic Violence/Types of Abuse

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in any relationship used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone. Domestic violence or intimate partner violence often occurs in cycles, with periods of “normal or happy times” followed by increased tension and abuse. The cycle of violence repeats, sometimes over a period of months, sometimes within the same day.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education level, religion or gender.

Emotional Abuse:

constant put-downs or criticisms, name-calling, acting superior, minimizing the abuse or blaming you for their behavior, gaslighting, damaging one’s relationship with his or her children, excessive jealousy, manipulation, accusations and keeping constant tabs on your whereabouts.

Financial Abuse:

giving you an allowance, not letting you have your own money, hiding family assets, running up debt, interfering with your job, inquiring about every financial decision you make, and ruining your credit.

Psychological Abuse:

causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family or friends; destruction of pets and property; or forcing isolation from family, friends, or school and/or work.

Tech Abuse:

demanding passwords to phone, social media sites, and email; releasing personal photos/videos onto the internet without your consent; using spyware and/or GPS tracking.

Spiritual Abuse:

using scripture to justify abusive behavior, ridiculing beliefs and practices, attempting to keep you from practicing beliefs, and spreading rumors to religious leaders and congregation members.