Domestic Violence Education

Understanding Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence

Key Terms

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

 

The specific term used to describe violence in a relationship. An intimate partner is a person with whom you have or had a close personal or sexual relationship.

Domestic Violence (DV) 

 

Refers to any form of violence that occurs within a household. These relationships include household relationships such as spouse/spouse, parent/child, elder/child, etc.

Dating Violence 

 

Refers to any form of violence that occurs within a dating relationship. Dating violence primarily impacts younger populations, but it is in no way limited to a certain age group.

Types of Abuse

 

 

Physical

hitting or slapping; kicking; strangling; pushing; punching; destruction of property.

 

Verbal

constant criticism and/or mocking; humiliating remarks; yelling; swearing or name-calling; interrupting; threats and intimidation. 

 

Sexual

forcing you to have sex; demanding sexual acts; taking sexual pictures without consent; forcing you to get pregnant; refusing to let you get pregnant.

 

Financial

not paying bills; refusing to give money; not allowing you to go to school or work; not allowing you to learn a new job skill; refusing to work and support the family. 

 

Emotional

not expressing feelings; not giving compliments; not paying attention; not respecting feelings, rights, opinions, and concerns; lying; breaking promises; withholding important information; being unfaithful; jealousy; not sharing domestic responsibilities; gaslighting.

Who Can Experience Domestic Violence?

 

Anyone can be affected. 

 

Studies have found no unique link between personality type and experiencing domestic violence. Changing how the person experiencing domestic violence behaves cannot stop the abuse. Domestic violence can affect more than just the primary person experiencing it. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. 

Women

 

  • Women are at high risk for being seriously injured or killed by a partner.
  • Pregnant and postpartum women are especially at risk. Teen girls and young women are at high risk for dating violence.
Children

 

  • They may be abused themselves.
  • They may see their parent being abused.
  • The abuser may threaten to harm the children.
  • They grow up seeing abuse as normal.
Teens and Young Adults

 

  • Teenagers are just as vulnerable to relationship violence, and it is just as dangerous.
  • Teenagers may not seek help because they distrust adults.
People in LGBTQIA+ Relationships

 

  • People in LGBTQIA+ relationships experience domestic violence about the same rate as straight women. 
  • People in LGBTQIA+ relationships may not seek help because they don’t believe that help is available or because they fear discrimination.
  • Peace at Home provides LGBTQIA+ affirming advocacy.
Older Adults and People With Disabilities

 

  • They may be abused by their spouses or partners, adult children, or caregivers.
  • They may be physically unable to defend themselves or escape from the abuse.
  • They may be physically or mentally unable to report the abuse to anyone.
  • Men and women who have disabilities are at high risk for abuse.
Men

 

  • While a large majority of domestic violence victims are women, men can also be abused.
  • Abusers of men may be of any gender.
  • Men are very unlikely to come forward because the stigma of being labeled weak.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ABUSE?

There are many different ways that abuse can occur. There is physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, digital abuse, and emotional abuse. There is not one particular way abuse is carried out. Every situation is different, so if you or someone you know is not or might not be safe, please contact Peace at Home for help.

WHAT ARE RED FLAGS IN A RELATIONSHIP?

Red flags, also known as warning signs, demonstrate an unbalanced relationship in which one partner is attempting to control the other.  If you feel: threatened at times, isolated, unable to be independent, afraid at times, pressured into situations you're uncomfortable in, like your opinion is not valued, or that things have changed in a negative manner, these could be red flags.

WHAT ARE GREEN FLAGS IN A RELATIONSHIP?

Green flags are signs of a healthy relationship. Some examples include feeling: safe to be your true self, respected, happy, in sync with your partner, challenged in a positive way, or comfortable to make sacrifices that benefit all parts of the relationship.

HOW COMMON IS INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE?

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. It is important to recognize that intimate partner violence and domestic violence impact people of all genders.

 

Recent research shows that LGBTQIA+ members fall victim to domestic violence at equal or even higher rates compared to heterosexual individuals. 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence and/or stalking from an intimate partner. 26% of gay men and 37.3% of bisexual men also report experiencing intimate partner violence during their lifetime. Research also shows that individuals that identify as transgender/non-binary are more likely to experience intimate partner violence in a public setting.

"WHY DON'T THEY JUST LEAVE?"

It is so incredibly important to understand that leaving is the most dangerous time for survivors of domestic violence. Many different factors stop people from leaving unsafe situations, spanning from: general safety risks, nowhere to go or stay, children's safety, financial dependence, feelings of shame, lack of support, and/or fear of disclosing the abuse with family or friends.

WHAT IS A SAFETY PLAN? 

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you've left. Safety planning involves how to cope with emotions, telling friends and family about the abuse, taking legal action, and more. For help with safety planning, speak with an advocate today at 1-877-442-9811 or 479-442-9811.

HOW CAN I GIVE HELP? 

You can help survivors by continuing to learn about the impacts of domestic violence and intimate partner violence, learning how to recognize the warning signs, starting conversations with your friends and family about these issues, volunteering with Peace at Home, or making a gift in support of survivors rebuilding their lives after abuse. You can also follow us on social media to stay updated on events and to access bite-sized educational materials!

Educational Resources

 
We offer online training for groups and organizations interested in learning more about Peace at Home and domestic violence issues. Current training sessions include: 
 
Introduction to Peace at Home: EXPLAINS our programs, philosophy, impact, and ways to get involved.

INTRODUCTION TO Domestic Violence: covers the basics of abuse, warning signs of unhealthy relationships, types of abuse, and the cycle of violence. This training is a great way to engage in conversation about violence in our community.
 
Everyday Allyship: presents information about supporting friends and loved ones through unsafe relationships and provides a look into how our community members can better promote healthy relationships.
 

 

To schedule a training or request materials for your organization, please fill out this form or contact Abbey Underwood, our Community Education Coordinator, at aunderwood@peaceathomeshelter.com.

 

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