Definitions:

 Abuse:  Mistreating another person physically, verbally and/or emotionally.  Physical injuries are not the only type of abuse.

 Sexual Abuse/Assault/Rape:  Any unwanted sexual contact.

 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.

 Pattern:  A wide variety of abusive behaviors that often increase in frequency and intensity over time.

 Abusive Behavior:   Include, but are not limited to, verbal abuse and threats, emotional abuse including intimidation and isolation, physical and sexual assaults, the use of weapons, the destruction of property, and violence towards others significant to the victims.

Controlling or exerting power over another:  Ongoing behavior on the part of the abuser in relationships designed to maintain power over the partner/s.

Intimate relationship:  A relationship between two individuals that is, or has previously been, intended to provide emotional and/or physical intimacy.

Does Your Partner????

     Verbally insult, demean or threaten you?

     Isolate you from friends, family or other people?

     Organize schedules to follow or harass you?

     Limit your mobility or access to money?

     Explode into rage and assault you physically?

     Negate your words, abilities, ideas and actions?

     Choke, punch, slap, kick, or otherwise hurt you?

     Excuse each attack and promise to stop?

 

If this sounds familiar, you could be a victim of an

abusive relationship.  You are not alone.  There are

people who understand and can help.

Call to speak to someone today!

  

In a healthy relationship,

you have the right….

 

             To express your opinions and have them respected

             To have your needs be as important as your partner’s needs

             To grow as an individual in your own way

             To change your mind

       To not take responsibility for your partner’s behavior

        To not be physically, emotionally or sexually abused

 

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children:

Children who see violence in their homes may

exhibit the following behaviors:

 

        Limited tolerance

        Poor impulse control

        Depression

        Absence from school

        Continual hopelessness

        Poor self image

        Low self-esteem

        Social isolation

        Increase in deceptiveness

        Increase in lying

        Poor definition of personal boundaries

        Self-Blame

        Violence toward pets or younger siblings

        May use violence to solve problems