Frequently asked questions

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone. Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together, or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. settings and press "Manage Questions" button.

• Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you. • Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive. • Tries to isolate you from family or friends. • Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with. • Does not want you to work or to attend school. • Controls finances or refuses to share money. • Punishes you by withholding affection. • Expects you to ask permission. • Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets. • Humiliates you in any way.

• Damages property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, kicked doors, etc.). • Pushes, slapps, bites, kicks or strangles you. • Abandoned you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place. • Scared you by driving recklessly or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Used a weapon to threaten or hurt you. • Forced you to leave your home. • Trapped you in your home or kept you from leaving. • Prevented you from calling police or seeking medical attention. • Hurt your children. • Used physical force in sexual situations.

• Views women as objects and believes in rigid gender roles. • Accuses you of cheating or is often jealous of your outside relationships. • Wants you to dress in a sexual way. • Insults you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names. • Has ever forced or manipulated you into to having sex or performing sexual acts you did not want to do. • Held you down during sex against your will. • Demanded sex when you were sick, tired, or after beating you. • Hurt you with weapons or objects during sex. • Involved other people in sexual activities with you. • Ignored your feelings regarding sex.