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.