What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is a pattern of coercive and/or violent behaviors used by a partner to gain power and control over the other person, and it goes far beyond physical injury. It is against the law for anyone, including your spouse, intimate partner, ex-partner, or a family member to:

• Injure you.
• Threaten you so that you fear for your physical safety.
• Force or pressure you into sexual acts.
• Destroy or threaten to destroy your physical property.
• Enter your home against your will if you are living separately.

Domestic abuse is something uncomfortable to talk about, and it is a hard pattern to escape. But it is also something that can be stopped. Domestic abuse is in our neighborhood. It is in our community. It can happen to anyone, but it does not have to happen to you.