Domestic violence occurs when one person in a relationship uses a pattern of behavior to control the other person. While people most often define domestic violence as physical violence, it can also take other forms, such as emotional/psychological abuse, economic abuse, or sexual abuse. Click here to Rate Your Mate!
If your partner repeatedly exhibits one or more of the following behaviors in an attempt to control you, you may be in an abusive relationship:
- Pushing, slapping, hitting, choking, biting, or kicking you
- Threatening you, your children, your family members or friends, or your pet(s)
- Using or threatening use of a weapon against you
- Keeping you from seeing your family and friends or from going to work
- Putting you down or making you feel bad about yourself
- Keeping or taking your paycheck
- Threatening suicide to get you to do something
- Forcing you to have sex or perform sexual acts that you don't want or like
If you are involved in a relationship where you are being hurt or abused, remember that you are not alone, it is not your fault, and help is available. Call the CHOICES 24-hour hotline at (614) 224-4663.
