OMLS - What is Domestic Violence?

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence involves a continuum of behaviors ranging from degrading remarks to cruel jokes, economic exploitation, punches and kicks, false imprisonment, sexual abuse, suffocating actions, maiming assaults, and homicide. Unchecked, domestic violence usually increases in frequency and severity.

Many victims suffer all forms of abuse. Verbal and emotional abuse may be more subtle than physical harm, but this does not mean that it is less destructive to victims. Many have said that the emotional scars take much longer to heal than the broken bones.

The first assault inflicted by a batterer usually shocks the victim. It is hard to believe that a person who proclaims love, devotion and commitment to you could violate you. About 20% of battered women report that the first assault by their partner came during pregnancy. Thereafter, episodes of violence may be infrequent or frequent, prolonged or short-lasted, severe or mild assaults. Non-violent tactics of control are usually always coupled with violent conduct. Violent assaults usually increase in frequency and severity over time. As the batterer's violence progresses, he may begin to abuse the children and he may direct violence or threats of violence against friends or extended family. Even those batterers who infrequently use violence regularly remind their battered partners that non-compliance with their demands may precipitate violent assaults.