What Is Family Violence?

Family violence is an ongoing, debilitating experience of physical, verbal, psychological, economic and/or sexual abuse that occurs in intimate and family relations, escalating over time in both frequency and severity. It usually involves force or the threat of force, increased isolation, minimal personal freedom and limited accessibility to resources.

Family violence, also referred to as domestic violence, occurs across all ages, incomes, cultures, levels of education, sexual orientation, religions, and races. Learn to recognize signs of abuse and help yourself or someone you love.

Some signs of abuse: fear of a partner's temper, low self-esteem, frequent apologies for partner's behaviors, emotional and economic dependency, guilt, acceptance of blame for violence as a temporary method of solving family problems, isolation, depression, and/or physical battery.

Some signs the abuser shows: explosive temper, controlling behavior, excessive jealousy and possessiveness, refusal to take responsibility for his/her own behavior, criticism and ridicule of his/her partner, conforms to stereotypical gender roles, difficulty expressing feelings, belief that violence is a good method of controlling family, projection of blame onto partner.

We can help:

• Emergency services
• Education and support groups
• Counseling
• Justice systems advocacy
• Referrals
• Specialized services for the elderly, immigrant, and Orthodox communities
• Expect Respect Healthy Teen Relationship program