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Identifying Domestic Violence
When spouses, intimate partners, or dates
use physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, harassment,
or stalking to control the behavior of their partners,
they are committing domestic violence. Physical violence
includes putting your hands on a person against their
will. It also includes shoving, pushing, grabbing, pulling,
or forcing some one to stay somewhere. Regardless of
the relationship between two people, using physical
violence against someone is a crime.
Very few people identify themselves as abusers or victims.
They may remain silent about the issue because of the
havoc that domestic violence has created in their workplace
and family lives. Victims may be silent about the abuse
because of embarrassment or shame, or for fear that
their batterers will hurt them if they tell other people
about the violence. Abusers may minimize their actions
or blame the victims for provoking the violence. Both
victims and abusers may characterize their experiences
as family quarrels that "got out of control."
Think about the following questions to identify whether
you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence.
Whether you are a professional or a friend, asking these
questions (in private) about domestic violence can let
victims or abusers know that the door is open for further
discussion and help. If you or someone you know is being
abused, develop a safety plan right away even if you
do not intend to separate at this time.
Screening Questions
Domestic violence is not confined to "certain groups."
Do not try to predict who is a batterer and who is a
victim of domestic violence. Ask the following questions
to determine whether domestic violence is occurring.
Everyone argues or fights with their partner or spouse
now and then. When you argue or fight at home, what
happens? Do you ever change your behavior because you
are afraid of the consequences of a fight?
Do you feel that your partner or spouse treats you
well? Is there anything that goes on at home that makes
you feel afraid?
If
the legal or judicial system failed to protect you or
a family member
from abuse Please Contact:
Amnesty
International & The
United Nations
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224
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