Domestic
Violence
Assistance
There are many terms used– domestic violence, intimate partner violence, dating abuse, or relationship abuse– to describe a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.
Every type of abuse is serious
Crisis Support Network is community domestic violence program and provides:
- 24/7 crisis intervention and information
- Emergency shelter
- Housing programs
- Legal advocacy
- Medical advocacy
- Someone to talk to
- Systems coordination
- Transportation and stabilization programs
- Disability, language and ADA access assistance
Types of Abuse
Multiple forms of abuse are usually present at the same time in abusive situations. People often assume physical violence when they hear about abuse, but that’s not always the case. There are many terms used– Domestic violence intimate partner violence, dating abuse, or relationship abuse– to describe a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.
Physical
Any intentional, unwanted contact with you or any behavior that causes or has the intention of causing you physical harm.
Sexual
Any behavior that pressures or coerces someone to do something sexually that they don’t want to do. Everyone has the right to decide what they do or don’t want to do sexually, and not all sexual assaults are violent “attacks.”
Digital
A form of emotional abuse conducted online. It uses technologies like texting and social media to bully, harass, stalk, or intimidate a partner. All communication in a healthy relationship is respectful, whether in person, online, or over the phone.
Emotional / Verbal
Non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or “checking in,” excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or stalking.
Financial
Often operates in more subtle ways than other forms of abuse, but it can be just as harmful to those who experience it. Financial security is directly tied to our health and wellbeing. No one has the right to use money or how you choose to spend it to control your actions or decisions, and no one should control your ability to work.
Stalking
Stalking occurs when someone watches, follows, or harasses you repeatedly, making you feel afraid or unsafe. A stalker can be someone you know, a past partner, or a stranger. Being stalked causes a lot of stress, vulnerability, anxiety, and other emotions that can impact sleep or concentration at work or school.
