Domestic Violence Defined

Domestic violence is when one person is able to maintain power and control over a partner in the context of an intimate or family relationship. It is a pattern of behaviors, including physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse in order to control or change the behavior of his/her partner.

Domestic Violence can lead to serious physical harm, emotional and mental illness, and even death.

The Center offers a 24/7 emergency hotline for victims of domestic violence at 203-384-9559.

“As the economy worsens, domestic violence has become a deeper, more concentrated epidemic. More financial constraints are being placed on victims making it more difficult for them to survive.” - National Network to End Domestic Violence

Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a rising issue in the United States. It can impact anyone, regardless of an individual’s ethnic background, social status, sex or sexual orientation. Listed below are signs that may indicate you are in an abusive relationship. If you or someone you know needs help, our 24 hour Domestic Hotline is available toll free at 1(888)774-2900.

• Have you ever been physically hurt, such as being kicked, pushed or punched, by your partner or ex-partner?
• Has your partner ever used the threat of hurting you to get you to do something?
• Has your partner tried to keep you from seeing your family, going to school, or doing other things that are important to you?
• Do you feel like you are being controlled or isolated by your partner?
• Have you ever been forced by your partner to have sex when you did not want to?
• Has your partner ever insisted on having unsafe (not using protection for sexually transmitted infections or HIV) sex?
• Is your partner very jealous and always questioning whether you are faithful?
• Does your partner regularly blame you for things that you could not control or insult you?
• Are you ever afraid of your partner or of going home? Does he/she make you feel unsafe?

National Statistics on Domestic Violence

The following statistics are based on national average.

• One out of every four women will experience domestic violence at sometime in her life.
• On average, more than three women die as a result of domestic violence every day. (Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Date Brief)
• 50% of the men who frequently assault their wives also frequently abuse their children. (Strauss, Gelles, and Smith, 1990)
• One in five female high school students reports being physically and /or sexually abuse by a dating partner. (Silverman, Raj, Mucci, and Hathaway, 2001)
• 39% of cities cite domestic violence as the primary cause of family homelessness. (U.S. Conference of Mayors)
• Up to 100% of homeless women have experienced domestic or sexual violence at some point in their lives, while between 22-57% of homeless women report that domestic or sexual violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness. (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty)