Domestic Violence is a violent or aggressive behavior within the home typically the violent abuse of a spouse or partner, but it does include a violence against children, parents, siblings and Boyfriend/Girlfriend who do not live together. Overwhelmingly, domestic violence is perpetrated by men against women. Nationally, statistics indicate 95% of the victims are women.
In Alexandria alone, hundreds of women and their children live in constant terror and pain as a result of family violence. The abuse can be physical, ranging from slaps and kicks to punching and stabbing; or psychological, including threats or verbal abuse that make a person fear for her or his safety.
Domestic Violence could lead to death, so if you feel like you are being abused or you know someone living in a domestic violence please do not hesitate to seek help.
Domestic Violence could include
- Physical Assaults
- Verbal Abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Harassment
- Threat or harm
Are you a victim?
- Verbally insult, demean or threaten you?
- Isolate you from friends, family or other people? Do they become excessively jealous, possessive and/or angry in attempt to control you?
- Organize schedules to follow or harass you?
- Limit your mobility or access to money and/or other resources?
- Explode into a rage and abusive behaviors after using drugs and/or alcohol?
- Negate your words, abilities, ideas and actions?
- Choke, punch, slap, kick, pull hair, bite, throw things, abuse or damage your personal belongings or force you to have sex?
- Excuse each attack and promise to stop?
However, you are not alone. Whether you need information, support, or a safe place to stay, the Domestic Violence Program has people who can help.
Click on your State to see where you can get help.