What is Domestic Violence?

A power and control issue. It is physically or emotionally controlling behavior that restricts the activity and independence of another individual. It can include physical, sexual and psychological attacks, and economic control. Domestic violence affects persons of all cultures, religions, ages, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds, and income levels. The majority of victims are women, but men can be victims of domestic violence too.

Did you know that?

One in four American women report that they have been physically abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. 30% of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year. Domestic violence has gained widespread recognition as a public health emergency.

It is estimated that between 3.3 million and 10 million children in the U.S. are at risk of witnessing woman abuse each year. Domestic Violence does not have to be tolerated. Help is available to stop the cycle of violence.
[Source: Domestic Violence Resource]

In an domestic violence abusive relationship, the abuser may use a number of tactics to maintain power and control over his or her partner: VERBAL ABUSE Name Calling Threatening, Intimidating PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE Criticizing, Jealousy, Public Humiliation, Put-Downs, Isolating, Dominating, Using Children FINANCIAL ABUSE Controlling money, Concealing joint assets or shared money, Keeping partner impoverished, Blowing money PHYSICAL ABUSE Pushing, Slapping, Hitting, Kicking, Chocking, Hair Pulling, Biting, Using Weapons, Tying up, Locking in a room SEXUAL ABUSE Rape, Physical attacking sexual parts, Forcing to perform sexual acts SYSTEM ABUSE Violating restraining orders, Violating child custody agreements, Telling lies about a partner to police, courts.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month With Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) just one month away, advocates for victims of domestic violence are joining with government officials, corporations, unions, health care providers, faith-based groups and others to organize activities that will raise public awareness about domestic violence.

I decided I would put a page together and talk about some of my own experiences with abuse at the hands of those I thought loved me. Although I consider myself lucky to be here, my reason for putting this site together is for the horrible attrocities that other woman have gone through... and are still going through today. My story seems so petty compared to theirs. Yes, I could have died, but I didn't and that is why I am here today to talk to you about abuse on women, the physical and mental abuse their children are subjected to and to make you aware that sometimes it is a whole lot harder for some to leave than you could ever imagine.

Ninety-two percent of American women rank domestic and sexual violence as one of their top priorities. One out of every three women experiences at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood.

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that may include physical, sexual, economic, emotional and psychological abuse of one family member or romantic partner by another. The goal of domestic violence is to establish and maintain power and control. 95% of reported cases of domestic violence involve a male batterer and female victim. Although public awareness about domestic violence has increased dramatically over the past decade, it continues to be underreported and misunderstood.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN MEN CAN STOP IT Office on Violence Against Women

President Proclaims National Domestic Violence Awareness Month By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

The social blight of domestic violence has continued to burden America into the 21st Century. Our homes should be places of safety and comfort. Tragically, domestic violence can and does turn many homes into places of torment. The grim facts speak for themselves: almost one-third of American women murdered each year are killed by..." President George W. Bush

VAWnet Library is an online resource for advocates working to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violence in the lives of women and their children.

~ MY OTHER CAUSES & CONCERNS ~

Child Abuse ~ Homelessness ~
~ More Coming ~

Remember... Children themselves suffer such unspeakable acts of violence against them, sometimes it involves the abuser who is also abusing their mother, while other times it is just directed at the child themselves. This site deals with that Child Abuse, what it is, poems I've written, stories, links, etc. Please visit and leave a note of hope for them.

Breast Cancer ~ Fibromyalgia ~ Lupus
Arthritis ~ Heart Disease ~ Diabetes
~ More Soon ~

STILL TO COME HERE
Domestic Violence Links Page
Memorials & Their Stories
My Poetry
Links to great Resources
More...

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