Domestic Violence Support
About Domestic Violence
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence or battery, is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.
Domestic violence encompasses a number of controlling behaviors that often include (but are not limited to):
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Economic abuse
Learn more about different types of abuse here.
While the vast majority of abusive relationships involve some form of violence, it is often the emotional abuse that has the most devastating impact on a victim. Although women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence, anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Those in the LGBT communities, disabled persons, seniors, and elders are also at an increased risk of experiencing domestic violence.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery and the Survivor Leadership Collective offer free events to the public during the month.
Facts & Statistics
- Understanding Intimate Partner Violence (CDC)
- Understanding Teen Dating Abuse (CDC)
- The Scope of Elder Abuse (American Society of Aging)
- Futures Without Violence
Community Events
October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and February is recognized as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in an effort to raise public awareness and educate communities in preventing domestic and teen dating violence. You can be involved and show support in many ways, such as:
- Participating in an upcoming Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center event, such as their Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence