Domestic violence occurs when a person physically, emotionally, or sexually abuses their romantic partner or another member of his or her family or household. Such violence, which is also called domestic abuse, can happen to anyone. Men and women alike can be victims of it. People of all races, cultures, income levels, sexual orientation, and age can be affected by domestic abuse.
At the heart of domestic violence is the abuser’s need to control their victim. Often, they use destructive and cruel behaviors to maintain power and control over their significant other or spouse. A perpetrator of domestic abuse may:
- Physically harm their partner by punching, slapping, kicking, or otherwise hurting them;
- Use weapons to hurt or intimidate their partner;
- Threaten their partner or their partner’s family;
- Deprive their partner of access to finances or use money to control him or her;
- Purposely humiliate their partner with the intention of breaking him or her down emotionally; or
- Force their partner to have sex against his or her will.
These are only a few of the tactics that abusers use to hurt their partners. If your romantic partner or spouse is doing anything to you that makes you feel afraid, threatened, or unsafe, please do not hesitate to reach out for help.
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