Haven House Wayne, NE Definitions of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and controlling behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks against the victim as well as against children, property, or pets. These behaviors spring from the perpetrator's need for power and control. Anyone could become a victim of domestic violence. It crosses all economical, educational, religious, racial, cultural, geographic, and lifestyle lines. It could happen to your mother, your grandmother, your sister or daughter, it could happen to you. Perpetrators of domestic violence will utilize a combination of the following assaultive and controlling behaviors to establish and maintain control over their partner.

Emotional & Psychological Abuse:

Calling names, constantly criticizing, insulting, or humiliating

Degrading and belittling an individual's abilities, beliefs or appearance

Controlling access to money or other resources

Isolating the victim from family and friends

Extreme jealousy or possessiveness

Destroying or threatening to destroy valued possessions, property, or pets

Threatening to harm children or other family members

Sexual Abuse:

Accusation of unfaithfulness

Criticizing sexual performance

Coercion to have sex

Forcing sexual acts

Not taking "NO" for an answer

Physical Abuse:

Holding, tying down or restraining

Pushing, shoving, slapping, punching or kicking

Smothering, burning or choking

Using or threatening to use weapons

Domestic violence is never a one time incident. Without intervention the violence will continue. The pattern of abusive behaviors will most likely escalate in both frequency and severity.