Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse is violence between adult intimate partners (people who are married, living together, dating or who have broken off a relationship).

Who is most at risk for domestic violence?

Women are most vulnerable to violence when separated from their intimate partner. The second most vulnerable time is right after a divorce.  In addition, people may be at risk for domestic violence if they:

• Are planning to leave or have recently left an abusive relationship.
• Struggle with poverty or a poor living situation.
• Are unemployed.
• Have a physical or mental disability.
• Are younger than 30 years old.
• Witnessed domestic violence as a child.
• Were victims of childhood and/or adolescent abuse.
• Are isolated socially from family and friends.
• Are pregnant, especially if it was unplanned.
• Have been stalked by a partner.

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS

There is no way to know for sure that someone is being abused—unless you actually witness it happening.  However, you can watch out for these warning signs:

• Makes excuses for frequent injuries.
• Trouble concentrating at work.
• Low self-esteem.
• Becomes anxious around any type of conflict.
• Blames self for anything that goes wrong.

Domestic violence is a crime!  No one “deserves” to be a victim of abuse, especially when it comes from an intimate partner.

REPORTING DOMESTIC ABUSE

• To report suspicions of domestic abuse involving clients, talk to your supervisor, and/or follow your workplace policy for reporting abuse.
• If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic violence, remember that help is available. 
• A good place to start is the National Domestic Violence Hotline:  1-800-799-7233. 
• Calls to this number are free and help is available to callers 24 hours a day.  They provide information, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to support agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.