Domestic Violence 911 - Understanding What Constitutes Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a growing and rather serious problem as more and more women, and even some men, find themselves in an abusive relationship.
Most people are rather surprised to learn that domestic violence is the number one cause of injuries, both physical and emotional, for women in the 15 to 44 age group.
However, since most people don't report or even know what constitutes domestic violence, there's really no accurate way to gauge just how prevalent the problem truly is.
The first thing to understand is that there is no one typical profile that fits a victim of domestic violence as this type of crime can happen anywhere, to people of all ages, ethnicities, income and education levels.
This type of violence also spans many different types, including verbal and emotional abuse in addition to the physical, both of which can leave scars lasting a lifetime.
Domestic violence can involve:

• threatening to hurt both you and your children or family.
  
• blaming the violence, fighting, and discord on the victim.
  
• apologizing profusely to never let it happen again, but it always does.
  
• insulting or putting you down in public and in front of people.
  
• constant name calling and trying to wear down or degrade someone.
  
• preventing you from seeing or talking to friends and family.
  
• punching, hitting, pushing, choking, kicking, slapping, biting, and pinching.
  
• forcing a partner to have sex when they don't want to.
  

If you recognize your own marriage in even one of the above statements, chances are you are in either an abusive, controlling relationship and either are, or may become a victim of domestic violence.
Don't hesitate to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and if you are ever in immediate danger, dial 911.
Also, The National Center for Victims of Crime has a toll-free number to call at 1-800-FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255) Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm EST and has innumerable resources and forms of support for both victims and their family members.
Support for domestic violence may come in the form of crisis intervention where there's immediate danger involved or medical care is needed, as well as legal assistance to help victims with matters such as child custody, restraining orders, and receiving public assistance benefits.
Other types of support available for victims of domestic abuse include access to temporary, safe housing, free or low-cost child care and access to community resources such as free employment training.
Emotional support is yet another integral part of the entire network of support and may include counseling to deal with issues such as low self esteem, assertiveness training, and group support sessions with other victims of domestic abuse.
All too often people make the mistake of assuming that it must not be domestic violence if there aren't any physical, visible signs of abuse, and the victims themselves justify their spouses behavior and even take on most or all of the blame for their horrible actions.
There's absolutely no excuse for any form of domestic violence and no one should have to remain a silent victim.