What is Domestic Violence?

            Domestic violence is a pattern of physically and/or emotionally abusive behavior used to control another person with whom the abusive person has an intimate or family relationship.  It can include physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.  Abusive behavior can include the following (not all of these behaviors are crimes, but they are all abusive):
            ~          Threatening physical harm
            ~          Hair pulling, biting, kicking, pushing or hitting
            ~          Intimidation with a weapon
            ~          Forced sexual contact
            ~          Name calling
            ~          Restraining someone from leaving
            ~          Destruction of possessions
            ~          Abuse toward pets
            ~          Discouraging relationships with family and friends

Are You a Victim of Domestic Violence?

            ~          Is your partner violent toward you?
            ~          Do you make excuses for or minimize your partner’s behavior?
            ~          Do you feel helpless, trapped, or alone?
            ~          Do you blame yourself for the violence?
            ~          Do you blame the violence on stress or drug/alcohol abuse?
            ~          Do you fear going home?
             ~         Are your children being abused or is your partner threatening to harm the children?
             ~         Are you embarrassed or humiliated by your partner’s efforts to control your behavior?
             ~         IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!

What to do if you are a Victim of Domestic Violence?

1. Call 911 and report the incident.  You do not need to be able to speak English.  The 911 operator will be able to assist you.
2. Seek medical attention if necessary.  Have injuries documented and photographed.
3. Go to a safe place.
4. Tell someone you trust about the abuse: a family member, friend, victim advocate or co-worker.  You do not have to face abuse alone.
5. Make a safety plan, call the Family Justice Center at (253)798-4166- email: familyjusticecenter@co.pierce.wa.us  or call local domestic violence program for more information. 

For Community Resources/ Language interpretation available:  United Way 2-1-1, toll free 1-877-211-9274 or uwpc.org