Domestic Violence

What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in which one partner routinely exercises power and control over the other partner. The perpetrator may use physical violence, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, threats, coercion, isolation, economic or sexual abuse to dominate the victim.

How can I tell if my relationship is abusive?
· How do you feel about your relationship? Do you feel like your partner is caring and supportive? Are there things about your relationship that scare you?

· All couples have disagreements. What happens when you don’t agree with your partner? Do you ever change your behavior because you’re afraid of what will happen if you don’t?
    
· Has your partner ever threatened to hurt you, your children, your property or your pets? Has your partner ever followed through on those threats?

· Does your partner act jealously—calling you at home or work to check up on you? Is it hard for you to keep friends or family members in your life? Is it hard for you to hold down a job or go to school?

· Has your partner ever forced you—physically or emotionally—to do something you didn’t want to do?

· Does your partner withhold money or financial information from you? Do you know where the family bank accounts, investments, and other financial information is found? Does your partner spend large amounts of money without consulting you?

· Does you partner make it difficult to seek medical attention, take the medicine you need, or get the exercise and/or sleep you need?

· Does your partner ever force you to engage in sexual activity that makes you uncomfortable? Does your partner demand sex—even if you don’t want it?

There is no sure-fire way to tell if your relationship is abusive, but if the answers to these questions raise concerns for you, call us. An advocate will answer your questions and suggest services that may help.

Learn How to Recognize Abuse

Not all abuse is physical and every situation is different.  Verbal threats, coercion, emotional isolation, financial control, and intimidation are all forms of abuse.  Bolton Refuge House provides services to anyone who has been subjected to any form of domestic or sexual abuse.  You don’t have to have been physically injured to use our services