What is Domestic Violence?
Relief After Violent Encounter - Ionia/Montcalm, Inc. (R.A.V.E.)
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Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that is used by a person
against family or household members or dating partners to gain power or control
over the other party in a relationship. This behavior may include any of the
following: physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological
intimidation, verbal abuse and threats, stalking, isolation from friends and family,
economic control, destruction of personal property and animal cruelty. Domestic
violence occurs between people of all racial, economic, educational and
religious backgrounds. It occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships,
between married and unmarried partners, between current and former partners
and between other family and household members.
Domestic violence isolates the person being abused and can rob inner strength,
feelings of self-worth and the ability to make personal choices. Often people
experiencing abuse begin to feel responsible for the abuse.
Domestic Violence is not a private matter, a family problem, a domestic
"squabble" or a "fight." It is not a momentary loss of temper or the abuse of drugs
and alcohol. Abusers choose to use tactics of violence repeatedly to gain power
and control.
Exposure to domestic violence traumatizes children and can destroy their ability
to feel safe in the world as well as cause them to feel responsible for the abuse.
Physical and sexual violence against a family member or intimate partner is a
crime and perpetrators can be arrested and prosecuted.
Anyone can be a victim.
It is easier to think that domestic abuse could never happen to you or a loved
one, but there is no “predisposing” factor that can makes you a victim.
What can I do if someone I know is being abused?
1. Listen and believe.
2. Do not minimize or make excuses for abusive behavior.
3. Tell survivors they are not to blame, it’s not their fault.
4. Tell them they are not alone.
5. Offer your support and assistance.
7. Respect the decisions they make about leaving or staying in the relationship.
8. Help them develop a safety plan.
9. Learn about and be aware of the dynamics of domestic abuse. (Click here for
the Power and Control Wheel.)
10. Call R.A.V.E. 24-hours a day at 1-800-720-7233 (SAFE).
Domestic Violence affects every community across the country, regardless of
ethnic group, culture, or background. People of all ages, income levels, faiths,
sexual orientation, gender, and education levels experience domestic violence.
Ending domestic violence requires a social, political, and economic environment
to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are supported
and batterers are held accountable. Everyone must be part of the solution.
against family or household members or dating partners to gain power or control
over the other party in a relationship. This behavior may include any of the
following: physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological
intimidation, verbal abuse and threats, stalking, isolation from friends and family,
economic control, destruction of personal property and animal cruelty. Domestic
violence occurs between people of all racial, economic, educational and
religious backgrounds. It occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships,
between married and unmarried partners, between current and former partners
and between other family and household members.
Domestic violence isolates the person being abused and can rob inner strength,
feelings of self-worth and the ability to make personal choices. Often people
experiencing abuse begin to feel responsible for the abuse.
Domestic Violence is not a private matter, a family problem, a domestic
"squabble" or a "fight." It is not a momentary loss of temper or the abuse of drugs
and alcohol. Abusers choose to use tactics of violence repeatedly to gain power
and control.
Exposure to domestic violence traumatizes children and can destroy their ability
to feel safe in the world as well as cause them to feel responsible for the abuse.
Physical and sexual violence against a family member or intimate partner is a
crime and perpetrators can be arrested and prosecuted.
Anyone can be a victim.
It is easier to think that domestic abuse could never happen to you or a loved
one, but there is no “predisposing” factor that can makes you a victim.
What can I do if someone I know is being abused?
1. Listen and believe.
2. Do not minimize or make excuses for abusive behavior.
3. Tell survivors they are not to blame, it’s not their fault.
4. Tell them they are not alone.
5. Offer your support and assistance.
7. Respect the decisions they make about leaving or staying in the relationship.
8. Help them develop a safety plan.
9. Learn about and be aware of the dynamics of domestic abuse. (Click here for
the Power and Control Wheel.)
10. Call R.A.V.E. 24-hours a day at 1-800-720-7233 (SAFE).
Domestic Violence affects every community across the country, regardless of
ethnic group, culture, or background. People of all ages, income levels, faiths,
sexual orientation, gender, and education levels experience domestic violence.
Ending domestic violence requires a social, political, and economic environment
to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are supported
and batterers are held accountable. Everyone must be part of the solution.
24-hour Crisis and
Support Line
800-720-SAFE (7233)
Support Line
800-720-SAFE (7233)
Click here for safety
planning information
and tips in English.
planning information
and tips in English.
Click here for safety
planning information
and tips in Spanish.
planning information
and tips in Spanish.