Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other.

Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting MOSTLY WOMEN in every community regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, race, religion, or nationality.

IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE - IT DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.

The bottom line is that abusive behavior should never be acceptable, and women deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.