Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors that one partner uses to establish and maintain power and control over the other person in the relationship.
The abusive behavior can include physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and financial tactics. The abusive behaviors can include hitting, slapping, shoving, choking, forced or coerced sexual activity, name-calling, put-downs, threats and intimidation, and denying access to money. While there are many different forms that the abuse can take it centers around one partner controlling the other using abusive tactics.
Domestic violence occurs across all socio-economic, racial and ethnic and religious backgrounds. It happens in heterosexual relationships as well as same sex relationships. Both men and women can be victims of domestic violence. Victims do not have to feel alone, help is available!
The Power and Control Wheel illustrated below shows how there are many different type of abuse and abusive tactics that are used in a domestic violence relationship but that they are all a form of power and control the abuser has over the victim.
Download the Power and Control Wheel [PDF, 1.6MB]