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1. What exactly is domestic violence?

Also known as "family abuse," it is any act committed against a family or household member involving violence, force, or threats that results in bodily injury, or the fear of bodily injury. More commonly, it is known as a pattern of abusive behaviors used by someone in an intimate, dating, or familial relationship, to dominate over, intimidate and control another person.

2. What types of relationships are covered under domestic violence?

- Any individuals who have a child in common, even if they have never been married or lived together
- Any individuals who have lived together within the last 12 months (even if not currently living together) and any of their children who have lived in the same house with either individual
- Any in-laws (father, mother, son, daughter, sister or brother) who reside in the same house
- Brother, sister, half-brother, or half-sister
- Current or former spouse, even if they do not live together.
- Parent or stepparent
- Children or stepchildren
- Grandparent or grandchildren, even if they do not live together

3. What is abusive or coercive behavior?

Abusive conduct or behavior used to control or dominate a victim. Some tactics include:
- Destruction of property
- Direct and implied threats of violence
- Economic/financial control
- Emotional and psychological intimidation
- Harm to family, pets or other important people in the victim’s life
- Isolation from family, friends or the outside world
- Physical and sexual violence against you or your children
- Spiritual abuse
- Stalking
- Threat or use of weapons
- Threats to harm, family, friends, pets, property or anything of importance to the victim
- Verbal abuse

4. What are some characteristics of a batterer?

- Believes in violence as a method to solve problems
- Blames others for their actions, does not accept responsibility
- Denial, minimizes seriousness of violence
- Extremely jealous
- History of abuse, grew up in violent home or involved in prior abusive relationships
- Low self-esteem
- Socially isolated, does not have many friends
- Substance abuser
- Unable to deal with stress, lack of impulse control

5. Why do abusers batter?

Typically, abusers engage in violence or threats of violence to dominate and control the victim.

6. What are some early warning signs that your partner may be an abuser?

Your partner:
- Demands strict control and blames others for mishaps
- Has a history of violent relationships
- Has hit before
- Has severe mood swings
- Insists that you stay home, not work, not have friends or not socialize
- Isolates you from your friends and family
-Physically expresses anger and is unable to express themselves clearly
Is extremely jealous of your successes or anyone you talk to