Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior involving physical, emotional, and sexual violence, in any combination. The violence is intentionally used as a method of intimidation, power, and control in a relationship.

Physical abuse can include:

• Pushing and shoving
• Hitting and slapping
• Punching and kicking
• Strangling or restraining by force
• Pulling hair, twisting arms, spitting
• Using a weapon – i.e., a gun, knife, bat, cattle prod, lit cigarette

Emotional abuse can include:

• Intimidating actions
• Name-calling
• Threats to kill you, burn your house down, harm your relatives, report you to Social Services
• Destroying your property
• Harming or killing pets
• Isolating you from family and friends or anyone who can help you
• Controlling the money
• Undermining your relationship with your children
• Threatening to leave with or harm your children

Sexual abuse can include:

• Forced or coerced intercourse or other sexual activity
• Hurtful or unsafe sex
• Forced prostitution
• Repeated accusations of sexual activity with others
• Name-calling such as whore, slut, etc.