Domestic violence is a pattern of assault or coercive behaviors used by one person in a relationship over another adult, emancipated minor or minor child who are family or household members or who are or were in a dating relationship.

It is often expressed in deliberate acts of inflicting a form of harm that involves physical, sexual, emotional and psychological attacks and economic coercion. Domestic violence can be demonstrated in numerous ways, but unlike the occasional argument or disagreement, it tends to be repetitive and often habitual leading to destructive consequences.

Physical Abuse

Kicking, punching, slapping, shoving or any other form of physical harm with or without a weapon

Verbal Abuse

Name-calling, insults, ridicule, or put-downs of the victim and/or the victim's friends or family

Emotional Abuse

False accusations and blame, intimidation, spreading rumors or gossip, abandonment, intentional hurtful words and deeds that diminish self-esteem and confidence

Psychological Abuse

Mind games, threats, creating fear, stalking, isolationism, controlling relationships with friends and/or family, hurting a pet or another loved one, abandonment

Sexual Abuse

Forcing a partner to engage in a sexual act that is unwanted or declined

Financial/Economic Abuse

Complete control of or access to money, bank accounts, personal property, and all other economic matters that create total dependency on the abuser