What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of intentional coercive behavior used to establish and maintain power and control over an intimate partner, ex-partner or family member through fear or intimidation. Physical or sexual violence is often preceded by controlling behavior, which, oftentimes, the victim does not identify as abusive.  

Domestic violence sweeps the entire population regardless of culture, race, occupation, income level and degree of physical or cognitive ability. Rural and urban women of all religious, ethnic, socio-economic and educational backgrounds, and of varying ages, physical abilities and lifestyles can be affected by domestic violence. It occurs at about the same rate in same sex relationships as in heterosexual relationships. 

Abusers use psychological, emotional, financial, spiritual and sexual tactics to gain and maintain power and control over their victim.  An abuser’s pattern of coercive behavior may, but does not always, include physical violence.  Abuser’s coercive behaviors are intentional and deliberate and they do not indicate that he is out of control.  Abusers batter because they believe they have a right and entitlement to control their intimate partners.

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