Helpful Information

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

Click here for information on: Sexual Assault Brochure

Sexual assault is a crime. It is a crime of violence, power and control. It occurs when a person is forced, threatened, or coerced into sexual contact against her or his will. Sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, race, religion, economic status, or social status. Individuals who are sexually assaulted are victims of the crime. However, through the process of recovery, many victims become survivors.

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