What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to establish power and control over a partner.

Examples are: intimidation, threats (which is assault), isolation, threat of financial loss and psychological abuse.

Domestic Violence is a crime and includes behaviors like pushing, grabbing, poking, pinching, hitting, and punching (which is battery), or any criminal offence resulting in injury.

In addition to physical violence, if you have been forced to do something sexual (which is sexual battery) that you didn't want to do or if you have been kept from food, medicine or a doctor's care you are a victim of Domestic Violence.

People who may be included in Domestic Violence are a wife or husband, parent of a child, family member or someone you have lived with as a family.

If you feel like this may be you then you have the right to protect yourself and the children who may also be involved. You can call the police in an emergency, file a report about the violence, go to the Clerk of Courts and ask for an injunction or call a hotline to get information or ideas and to find shelters.