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.
| Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for Help |
(800) 799-SAFE (7233)
(800) 787-3224
(TTY for the deaf)
Web: www.ndvh.org
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. |
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.
If something about your relationship scares you, and you need to talk, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
You can get help. Leaving a violent relationship isn’t easy.
Victims stay because of:
- Money
- Family pressure
- Concern for kids
- Fear of their partner
If you leave or stay, you can get help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233).
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
- Give you information about safe places to go to
- Listen, if you simply need to talk
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