Domestic Violence is violence largely between family members and intimate partners, usually taking place in the home and is the use of force by one person to maintain power and control over the other. Most often, domestic violence occurs between intimate partners and not only includes physical violence, but also sexual, verbal and emotional abuse. Societal attitudes, beliefs, the abuser’s personal history and desire to control his partner are the greatest contributing factors to domestic violence. There is no “typical” victim of this kind of violence, and abuse is never the victim’s fault.

• Repeated injuries that are difficult to explain
   
• Little or no access to money
   
• Isolation from friends and family
   
• Calls in sick frequently or takes short vacations sporadically
   
• Often refer to their partner’s anger, temper, or jealousy
   
• Receives repeated and interruptive phone calls or visits from their partner at work or school
   
• Reluctant to speak or disagree in front of partner
   
• Partner bullies or is abusive in front of others
   
• Seems depressed and mention stress/tension at home
   
• Takes the blame for all things that go wrong
   
• Seems unsure about how she feels and what she wants—finds it easier to identify others’ needs
   
• Children that are especially aggressive or who display behavior that seems excessively mature or caretaking for someone their age may be living in violent homes