Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behaviors to establish and maintain power and control over a person. These behaviors may be physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, sexual or economic. The common theme is the intent to intimidate, manipulate or hurt another person. Domestic violence doesn’t look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different. What’s important is to recognize what an unsafe relationship looks like and get help.
Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship
Does your partner:
- Control who you see, where you go, or what you do?
- Keep you from seeing family and friends?
- Stop you from getting or keeping a job or attending school?
- Threaten to “out” you at work or to your family or friends?
- Control your money and is the only one with access to financial accounts?
- Intentionally cause property damage and blame you?
- Prevent you from having your name on a lease, rental agreement or mortgage?
- Physically abuse you or threaten to?
- Threaten to harm or take away your children? Are you afraid to leave your children alone with them?
- Force you to have sex when you don’t want to or to do things sexually that you’re uncomfortable with?
Additional Resources
- The Facts on Domestic, Dating and Sexual Violence
- National Network to End Domestic Violence
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Northwest Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian, and Gay Survivors
- A Guide to Domestic Abuse Information and Resources on the Web
- HIV/AIDS and Intimate Partner Violence Toolkit
- What is Reproductive Coercion?
- Domestic Violence Information and Resources for Youth
- Resource Guide for Male Survivors
- OR Batterer Intervention Program
- Substance Use Disorder Support & Treatment