October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are partnering with YWCA of South Hampton Roads, Her Shelter, and Samaritan House to change perceptions and erase the stigma around intimate partner violence.

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic violence can happen to anyone.

Types of Domestic Violence

Digital
Emotional
Financial
Physical
Psychological
Sexual

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Controls what you’re doing
Decides what you wear or eat or how you spend money
Prevents or discourages you from going to work or school or seeing your family or friends
Humiliates you on purpose in front of others
Blames you for his or her violent outbursts
Threatens to hurt herself or himself because of being upset with you
Says things like, “If I can’t have you, then no one can”
Excessively possessive and jealous; calls constantly or visits unexpectedly

How to Support Loved Ones who have Experienced Violence

1. Resist the Urge to Say “Leave”

2. Believe Domestic Violence Survivors

3. Connect Survivors With Domestic Violence Experts And Support

4. Help Victims Get Ready to Escape Abuse

5. Take Care of Some Details and Logistics

6. Assist an Abuse Survivor Financially

7. Link Domestic Violence Survivors with Legal Support

8. Try to Be There for Victim-Survivors No Matter What