No One Deserves to Be Abused

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. 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, or 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, or 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. You can get help. Leaving a violent relationship isn’t easy. Victims stay because of money, family pressure, concern for kids, or fear of their partner. If you leave or stay, you can get help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Whether you are a woman or a man, counselors are available to answer your questions, provide emergency help, call the police if you ask them to, and give you information about safe places to go to. If you simply need to talk, they will listen.

If something about your relationship scares you, and you need to talk, call us:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (TTY 1-800-787-3224)
http://www.thehotline.org/

Help is available in English, Spanish, and many other languages.

All contact with the hotline is free and confidential.