What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one individual to control or exert power over another individual in the context of an intimate relationship.

The pattern of abusive behaviors may include:

• PHYSICAL ABUSE: Hitting, slapping, choking, pushing, pulling hair, pinching, being held against your will.

• SEXUAL ABUSE: Any type of forced sexual activity, rape, uncomfortable touching.

• EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Name calling, degrading remarks, continuous criticism for anything you do or say.

• THREATS / INTIMIDATION: Threatening to do harm or to kill themselves, you, a family member or a child; threatening to leave.

• ISOLATION: Holding you against your will; not letting you contact friends or family; not allowing access to the telephone or vehicle.

• USING CHILDREN: Threatening to take the children away; making accusations of being a bad or unfit parent; threatening to harm children if you don't agree; using the child's feelings as a way of control; making a child take sides in an argument.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, call the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline for support, information, and referrals.

Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-838-8238

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE