FAQ: What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a serious crime and public health concern that can include physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse of one current or former intimate partner by another. You can be a victim of domestic violence no matter how old you are, what your racial or cultural background may be, what type of education you have, how much money you have, or what your religious beliefs may be.

Domestic violence is usually not a single event and often becomes more severe and frequent over time. Many batterers are not violent in other relationships, such as at work or with friends. They routinely deny the domestic violence and the severity of that violence. When confronted with their abusive behavior, they tend to blame their partner for provoking it or refuse to accept responsibility for it.

Many factors may contribute to abuse. Some batterers lack the ability to control their actions and do not know how to react appropriately and nonviolently to stress and dissatisfaction. A need for power and control, an abusive family background, feelings of inadequacy, and stress all may contribute to abusive behavior. Alcoholism or drug abuse do not cause domestic violence, but being drunk or high does intensify existing violent behaviors.

Domestic violence victims suffer physical injuries that endanger their health and may result in lifelong disabilities. These injuries may interfere with job performance and result in dismissal or lost promotion opportunities. Besides physical violence, abusers may use emotional and verbal abuse, isolation, and threats to maintain power and control over their partners. Threats, whether of violence, suicide, or taking away children, are a very common tactic used by batterers.

The emotional effects of domestic violence can often be more devastating than the physical assaults. Victims may lose touch with friends and family due to abusers' attempts to isolate them. As a victim's support system breaks down, so does his or her self-esteem. Domestic violence affects every family member, even if he or she has not been abused.

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