Everyone knows a victim of domestic violence. They are our neighbors, our co-workers and members of our family. Most victims of domestic violence are women, although men can be battered too.
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Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline
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If something about your relationship scares you, and you need to talk, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Help is available in English, Spanish and many other languages. All contact with the hotline is free and confidential.
To find contact information for additional resources, see Domestic Violence: Where to Get Help
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Domestic violence occurs within a family or an intimate relationship as a way for one person to control another.
Domestic violence includes physical abuse such as:
- Hitting
- Kicking
- Choking
- Shoving
- Not allowing someone to leave home
- Using objects like knives and guns to cause injury
It also includes harming someone emotionally by threats, name-calling and put-downs. Victims may be raped or forced into unwanted sex acts.
A spouse or partner may:
- Steal money and other items
- Destroy personal belongings
- Hurt pets
- Threaten children
- Not allow someone to work or see their friends and family
If any of these things are happening to you, or you are afraid of your partner, you may be in an abusive relationship. Domestic violence is a crime and there are legal protections available to you.