Domestic Violence

In America, one hour from now, there will be...
240 women battered
400 children will witness violence in their home
4 women will be killed by an intimate partner

In Henrico County, Virginia last year...
5,592 police calls for service due to domestic violence
377 protective orders were served

Understanding Domestic Violence

• Domestic Violence is a pattern of physically, sexually and/or emotionally abusive behaviors used by one individual to maintain power over or to control a partner in the context of an intimate or family relationship.
• Abuse can take many different forms including emotional, verbal, and/or sexual. All forms of abuse are serious and can have devastating effects on the victim.
• No one is immune from domestic violence. It affects people of all races, ages, religions, economic groups, and education levels. It happens in any and all types of intimate relationships regardless of sexuality.
• Domestic violence is not genetic or something the abusive partner is just "born with". Domestic violence is always a choice.
• Violence is not caused by "stress". Everyone experiences stress and can choose to deal with it in a variety of ways including exercise, deep breathing, reading, eating, etc.

People who choose to use violence need to be held accountable for that choice.

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse - a wide range of behaviors, which include aggressive behavior done by the offender to the victim's body.
• Sexual Abuse - includes aggressive sexual acts to the victim's body.
• Psychological/Emotional Abuse - involves no contact with the victim's body, involves the use of verbal, emotional, and psychological weapons rather than physical attacks. This may be a prerequisite to physical abuse.
• Destruction of Property/Pets - involves no contact with the victim’s body, but behavior is still meant to intimidate the victim. Destruction is not random or meant to "blow off steam". Has the same emotional impact as physical assault.