What is Domestic Abuse or Violence?

Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behavior used by one person to control another.

Behaviors attributed to domestic violence occur when one partner:

• Hits, kicks, shoves or injures the other
• Uses weapons/objects against the other or threatens to do so
• Forces or coerces the other to engage in unwanted sexual acts
• Controls the other’s actions in a way that interferes with their work, education or other personal activities
• Constant criticism, name calling and put downs
• Denies the other basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, medical or physical assistance
• Makes the other feel afraid

You may not be experiencing domestic violence, but be aware that 1 in 4 adult women will experience one or more episodes of violence by her current or past intimate partners. This very well may be your sister, mother, daughter, coworker, employee or friend.

• An estimated 250,000 Georgia women are at risk of being abused this year.
• One woman is assaulted every nine seconds by her male companion (FBI).
• In 20-50% of adult intimate relationships, violence will occur at some time.
• Battering is widespread, occurring just as frequently in rural areas, suburban communities and among all economic, racial and social groups.
• Once started, battering almost always becomes more frequent and worse.