In our society today, domestic violence is the number one public health issue women and children must face.  In fact, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States.  This is more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.   Domestic violence is not limited to poor, urban areas.  Women of all cultures, races, occupations, income levels and ages are affected.

Domestic violence can be defined as the assaultive behavior by the more powerful mate on the less powerful mate in the context of an intimate relationship.  There are four forms of violence, but one needs to keep in mind that these may not be mutually exclusive and may overlap.

Physical Violence includes all aggressive behaviors done by the offender to the victim's body.  This may include pushing, pinching, spitting, kicking, pulling hair, hitting, choking, burning, stabbing, etc.

Sexual Violence includes physical attacks on the victim's breast/genitals of forced sexual activity accompanied by either violence or a threat of violence.  Examples include forcing sexual activity after a beating or forcing unwanted sexual activity.

Psychological Violence may include threats, forcing the victim to do degrading things, controlling activities, constant attacks on a person's self-esteem.

Destruction of property or pets takes place without actually touching the person.  The victim never knows when assaults on property will turn into physical attacks.  Destruction of property often has the same psychological effect on the victim as a physical attack.

Following are warning signs that you may be involved in an abusive relationship:  

• Called names by your partner

• Experience isolation from family and friends

• No control over money

• Actual or threatened physical harm

• Sexual assault

In addition, there are several warning signs that you may be an abuser:

• Are very jealous

• Sulk silently when upset

• Have an explosive temper

• Criticize your partner a great deal of the time

• Have difficulty expressing your feelings

• Drink heavily or use drugs

• Are protective of your partner to the point of controlling

• Control your partner's behavior, friends and decisions

• Have broken things, thrown things at your partner, hit, shoved or kicked your partner when angry

If you exhibit these signs, please contact the CARELINE at 1 (800) 662-1002 for a free confidential assessment and immediate help.

Domestic violence includes partner violence, family violence, spouse abuse, child abuse, battering and wife beating.   All of which is preventable.  If a person you know is committing such an act, or may have the potential for violence, treatment can help.  By learning how to control one's feelings in an appropriate manner, instead of lashing out at those around them, one can prevent violence from occurring.  If you know someone who is the victim of such violence, you can help by getting them the help or resources they may need.   If you would like more information on preventing domestic violence, where to turn for help, or to become involved in treatment, please call our CARELINE at 1 (800) 662-1002, 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.