STOPPING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE

Defining Domestic Violence
Domestic or family violence is a pattern of violent behaviors such as:

• verbal abuse
• harassment
• excessive possessiveness
• isolation
• economic control
• physical assault
• battering and hitting
• control of household money
• destroying financial credit rating
• demeaning, insulting language

Any behavior that is used against an intimate partner or child to establish power and control is domestic violence and it is a crime.

Warning Signs
You may have noticed bruises on a friend or relative. You may have witnessed someone being ridiculed or shamed in public. You may suspect a friend or loved one is being abused but don't know if you should get involved. The only way to know with certainty if someone is in a domestic violence situation is to ask. Oftentimes, they may not even know that are being victimized...but many times they do. Have you observed:

• a violent temper
• injuries or bruises with flimsy explanations
• degrading or ridicule in public
• putting down ones appearance or accomplishments
• extreme unwarranted jealousy
• controlling behavior
• isolation from friends and family
• sudden mood swings (ie. being loving one minute and quickly turning to rage or abusive behavior)
  

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