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Design Element

Domestic Violence

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to maintain power and control over an intimate partner. It can happen to anyone, regardless of their race, age, relationship status, sexual orientation, religion, or gender.  

What Does Abuse Look Like?

Domestic violence can take on numerous forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and emotional abuse. Each form possesses one commonality: the intent to gain or maintain power and control over another person. Often, the person choosing to do harm will use a combination of these types of abuse to maintain control.  


How Do I Know If It’s Abuse?

It isn’t always easy to recognize when you’re in an abusive relationship. Often, the abuse is subtle and gradual. It can emerge and intensify as the relationship grows. It can also be hard to recognize because the abusive behaviors aren’t always constant. There can be many moments of non-abusive and loving behaviors, making it more difficult to identify signs of abuse. It’s also important to understand that domestic violence looks different in every relationship because every relationship is different. Below are some signs of different forms of abuse. Review the questions and if you answer “yes” to any of them, you can call us to talk it through.

Planning for your safety 

Create Your Individualized Safety Plan

A safety plan is a tool for anyone who is experiencing domestic violence. It’s a document that outlines specific steps you can take to stay safe in different situations, such as when you’re at home, at work, at school, with children or pets, and more. Each plan is unique to the person filling it out because it is based on your life. You can use this online tool to help you create your individualized safety plan.


Domestic Violence Against Men 

Moving Beyond the Gender Stigma

While women are statistically more likely to experience domestic violence, men are also victims of abuse. However, due to societal stereotypes and stigma surrounding masculinity, men may face additional challenges in coming forward and seeking help. 

If you’re a male victim of domestic violence, know we’re committed to supporting you. 


Teen Dating Violence

Recognizing Abuse in Young Adult Relationships  

Younger, inexperienced daters don’t often have a clear understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship. Consequently, they’re more susceptible to abuse. 

Empowering teenagers with knowledge and resources helps them develop a better understanding of healthy relationship dynamics and recognize the signs of abuse. Our advocates are available to help teens with any relationship challenges they’re experiencing, including trouble at home or in dating relationships.


Next Steps

What Does Help Look Like?

We know it can feel intimidating to take that first step of reaching out for help. So, we want to give you an idea of what to expect when you call us.

Someone will answer your call by saying something along the lines of “Hello, how may I help you” or “Crisis line, how may I help you?”. At this point, you can say as much or as little as you would like. You might be asked some questions to better understand what you’re going through to ensure you’re connected with the best possible person to help you.

We might ask you a question about what county you’re calling from. We ask this question only so we can provide you with an advocate closest to you.

It’s possible that the advocate you need might be helping another client at the moment you call, so we might need to ask for your name and phone number to have an advocate call you back.

You can rest assured that your information – your name, your phone number, what you tell us about your situation – is all completely confidential. Our services are also free, so there will never be a cost to you.