Relationship Violence
Learn about abuse, power and control, warning signs, and more:
What is Relationship Violence?
Relationship violence – or domestic violence – is a pattern of violent, neglectful, or threatening behaviors used by one individual in a relationship to maintain power and control over another person in a current or former intimate or dating relationship.
Power & Control
At the core of relationship violence, power and control is the ability of a person to limit another person’s capacity to change the circumstances of their life by limiting their options.
Abusive behaviors
Relationship violence includes both physical and sexual violence, but also extends to other forms of abuse including – stalking, emotional, verbal, financial, digital, spiritual and reproductive abuse.
Know the signs
Relationship violence is rarely as obvious as a black eye, scratch, or bruise. There are several warning signs, however, that could indicate an abusive relationship.