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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Domestic violence is not genetic or something the abusive partner
is just "born with". Domestic violence is always a choice.
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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.
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Physical Abuse - a wide range of behaviors, which include aggressive
behavior done by the offender to the victim's body.
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Sexual Abuse - includes aggressive sexual acts to the victim's
body.
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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.
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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.