What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a complex and devastating pattern of behavior that occurs within intimate relationships, where one person seeks to gain power and control over another through a variety of tactics. This cycle of abuse can manifest in physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual forms. At Hope Haven, we are committed to raising awareness about domestic violence and offering support to those who have experienced it.

Recognizing the Signs: Domestic violence is not always easy to identify, as it often occurs behind closed doors. It can involve behaviors such as physical violence, intimidation, isolation, verbal abuse, manipulation, and more. Recognizing the signs is the first step towards breaking free from its grip.

Impact on Survivors: The effects of domestic violence can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors may experience physical injuries, emotional trauma, isolation from friends and family, financial dependency, and a loss of self-esteem. The cycle of abuse can create a sense of fear, helplessness, and confusion that can be difficult to escape.

Hope and Healing: At Hope Haven, we are dedicated to providing a safe space for survivors of domestic violence to heal and rebuild their lives. Our comprehensive support includes shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, economic empowerment, and more. We believe that every survivor has the strength within them to break free from the cycle of abuse and create a future filled with hope, strength, and resilience.

Spreading Awareness: Understanding what domestic violence is and raising awareness about its prevalence are crucial steps towards ending the cycle of abuse. By shedding light on this issue, we can break the silence, offer support, and work towards creating a world where everyone can live free from violence and fear.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, know that you are not alone. Reach out to us at Hope Haven, and together, we can start a journey towards healing, empowerment, and a life free from abuse.

Psychological

• Breaking promises or agreements
  
• Not taking responsibility for actions
  
• Verbally attacking, and publicly humiliating partner
  
• Attacking vulnerabilities (language, education, parenting skills, religion, or appearance)
  
• Telling partner they are crazy, or undermining partner’s sanity
  
• Degrading partner
  
• Withholding affection or approval as punishment, or to gain control
  
• Threatening to leave, or telling partner to leave in order to manipulate behavior
  
• Accusing partner of being unfaithful, or having affairs
  

Physical Abuse

• Hitting, pushing, biting, slapping, restraining, scratching, burning
  
• Strangling
  
• Locking partner out of house
  
• Throwing objects at partner
  
• Withholding medical treatment or medication
  
• Withholding food as punishment
  
• Abusing at night to disrupt sleep schedule
  
• Using weapons to injure, or kill
  

Sexual Abuse

• Withholding sex/affection as punishment
  
• Forcing, coercing, or pressuring partner to have sex, or do sexual acts
  
• Calling partner sexual names
  
• Inflicting injuries to sexual body parts
  
• Denying partner access to contraceptives, or protection against STDs
  

​Economic Abuse

• Controlling all the money
  
• Keeping partner from working
  
• Forcing partner to support family alone
  
• Ruining her credit rating