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Domestic Violence Information

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic violence is abuse between family members or related persons. Domestic violence may come in many forms: actual physical abuse, threats of physical abuse, emotional abuse, threatening telephone calls, disturbances at a place of employment, stalking, and other forms of dominance and control. Domestic violence is distinguished from other kinds of abuse because of the special relationship between the persons. Domestic violence cases may be treated differently than cases of civil harassment because of the interpersonal relationships involved. At least one of the following relationship tests typically must be met in order to qualify a matter as a domestic violence case:

• the parties are married now or were formerly married to one another
• the parties are related by blood, marriage or adoption
• the parties are currently or were formerly living together
• the parties have now or used to have a dating or engagement relationship
• the parties have a minor child in common

In some states, there does not have to be actual physical violence between the parties; emotional abuse or fear of physical harm is sufficient to qualify as domestic violence.

IN THE EVENT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WHAT SHOULD A PERSON DO?

First and foremost, it is important for the person to get away from the aggressor. S/he should seek the assistance of a friend or a neighbor. In the event of domestic violence, immediate police assistance should be requested. Often, local police officers and sheriffs have received special training with respect to domestic violence and can be extremely helpful to a victim. In addition to local law enforcement personnel, city and district attorneys may be very helpful not only in prosecuting the crime, but also in providing referrals to other local assistance - emergency shelters such as "safe houses," counseling, and legal assistance.

A victim of domestic violence should never try to "go it alone." The usual profile of an abusive person is an aggressive, dominant personality that is both manipulative and controlling. The victim of domestic violence is often very vulnerable and can be persuaded from attempting to obtain assistance. Outside assistance is often essential in protecting a victim of domestic violence.

As a final word on this subject, a victim of domestic violence should never shy away from requesting assistance because of a perceived stigma attached to being a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence pervades all socio-economic classes. A "rich" person is just as likely to be a victim of domestic violence as a "poor" one. Whatever your background, if you been abused, get assistance with a domestic violence situation immediately for your own health and safety, as well as the health and safety of those close to you.

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Domestic Violence may be physical or emotional: slapping, punching, beating, kicking, threats of harm and verbal abuse are all forms of domestic violence. Violent behavior toward others is wrong no matter who does it. Family members are not excused. If you are in an abusive situation and don't do something to stop it, you may be harming your family. There is evidence that children raised in abusive homes are likely to become abusers or victims of abuse in later life.