What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive and/or coercive behavior used to gain or keep power and control of another person. It can include illegal and legal acts that undermine the victim’s sense of safety, self, and free will. Domestic violence includes intimate partner abuse and child abuse.

Domestic Violence Warning List

The more warning signs you have the more dangerous your situation may be.

• Verbal abuse
• Pressure tactics
• Abusing authority
• Disrespect
• Breaking promises
• Emotional withholding
• Minimizing, denying, blaming
• Economic control
• Self-destructive behavior
• Abusing trust
• Isolation
• Harassment
• Intimidation
• Destruction of property
• Sexual violence
• Physical violence
• Use of weapons

The Cycle of Violence

The cycle of violence has three phases that happen repeatedly, more often over time, and the violence usually gets worse over time.

1. The Tension Building Period

The Tension Building Period feels like walking on eggshells. There is emotional abuse, intimidation, threats and minimal physical abuse. Fear of violence is often as coercive as violence itself.

2. Violence/Explosion

This is the actual violent episode. It includes physical or sexual abuse or damage to property. A crime is committed!!

3. The “Honeymoon” Period

The “Honeymoon” Period is when the abuser acts differently after violent episodes. Abusers may ignore or deny the violence, blame the “anger” on you or even act sorry. The honeymoon is an attempt to draw you back into the relationship.