What is Family Violence?

Everyone’s relationships are different, but violence is always the same. Family violence is a pattern of behaviors that are used to maintain power and control over a partner in an intimate relationship. It can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender from any socioeconomic background and education level.

Family violence includes physical and sexual violence, emotional and verbal abuse, threats and intimidation, and economic control. Family violence can affect children, elders and people with disabilities in similar ways. Someone that has been abused may experience more than one form of family violence at once.

Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Tells you that you can never do anything right
• Insults, demeans or shames you
• Scares you with looks or actions
• Threatens to harm or take your children away
• Shows extreme jealousy toward friends, family and time spent away
• Controls how money is spent
• Intimidates you with weapons
• Pressures you to have sex when you don’t want to

There are many types of family violence and not everyone experiences the same kind of behavior. For a full list of signs read: Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

It is important to talk to someone you trust about what you are experiencing. When you’re ready, call us. We are here for you. If you know someone that is experiencing family violence, call us. We are here to help you and them.

If you have experienced violence, we are here to help. When you are ready to contact us, we will listen and assist with your individual needs. We have safe spaces so that you can find refuge and different programs to help encourage healing. We even offer resources to people that want to help their loved ones. Most importantly, we want to empower everyone to make the best choices for themselves.