Family Violence

Family violence is abuse or violence between any members of a household. The people can be related to you by blood, marriage or an intimate relationship.

Three different types of family violence

• Physical – Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, pulling hair, choking, slapping, holding you down against your will, throwing and breaking things in front of you or using weapons against you. Physical violence can get worse over time. It can lead to severe injury or death.
• Sexual – Sexual abuse includes pressuring you to have sex or to do sexual acts that you don’t want to do, hurting your or causing you pain during sex or forcing you to have sex after you have already said no. Sexual abuse can also involve the use of pornography, sexual jokes or insults against you.
• Emotional – Emotional abuse includes insults, cursing or swearing at you, putting you down and ignoring what you say. It can also include isolating you from your family or friends, turning people against you, or preventing you from working or getting an education.

Sometimes it can be hard to understand abuse and violence. We are here to help. Below are examples of common misunderstandings.

“He said he only hurts me because I make him do it.”
This is not true. You cannot make another person hit you or harm you. The abusive person makes the choice to hurt you.

“My boyfriend said he was going to kill me, but I know he was only angry. He would never do that.”
Any threats to hurt or kill you, your children or family must be taken very seriously. These kinds of threats are often followed by actions. Do not ignore any threat.

“Domestic violence agencies only help women. They do not help men who are abused.”
Abuse or violence can happen to anyone. It does not matter if you are rich or poor, educated or not educated. People of all races, genders, religions and sexual orientations experience abuse. Men may be abused by their partners.

If you are abused, we want you to get help. If you or members of your family experience family violence, please seek help. Contact us today to make an appointment.