What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is described as a systematic power and control dynamic between one intimate partner to the other and it includes the use of purposeful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behaviors. Domestic violence is an epidemic; an issue that affects every race, economic status, age, gender, religion, ethnicity, and nationality.

This power and control wheel is a good reference on how abusers can assert and maintain power within the domestically violent relationship.

Red Flags:

  • Wants to move too quickly into the relationship.
  • Early in the relationship flatters you constantly, and seems “too good to be true.”
  • Wants you all to him, herself, themself; (ISOLATION)
  • Blames the entire failure of previous relationships on his or her or their former partner; 
  • Rages out of control with you but can maintain composure around others.
  • They do not honor your boundaries 
  • Lacks responsibility for their behaviour 
  • Jealous or obsessive behaviors