What is Domestic Violence?

Who is affected by domestic violence? | What can you do if you know or suspect someone is being abused? | What domestic violence services are available?

What is domestic violence?

"These are not crimes of passion, only crimes of possession!"-Gloria Steinem Domestic violence crimes are about power, control, domination and fear. When one person exhibits a pattern of attempting to gain power and control over someone they have or had a relationship with, by using physical and sexual violence, threats, emotional abuse, financial control, legal status, harassment, or stalking, he/she is committing domestic violence. These control factors are also used to alienate victims from their family, friends, and co-workers, providing the victim no feasible support system to leave the relationship. (Domestic violence is also known as partner abuse and spousal abuse.)

Who is affected by domestic violence?

Domestic violence used to be thought of as a family problem, a private issue in which outsiders should not get involved. The truth is, domestic violence affects everyone! Whether you are a neighbor who is hesitant to call the police or a co-worker who doesn't want to pry, someone else's family abuse problem is your problem also. Domestic violence occurs among all age groups, genders, races, educational backgrounds, denominations, and socioeconomic groups.

Children: Domestic violence also has a profound affect on children that witness this cycle of violence."One in five women in Utah relate that their children witness or hear verbal abuse, while one in fourteen report their children witness or hear physical abuse." -Domestic Violence Incidence and Prevalence Study, Dan Jones & Associates, Inc., April-May 1997 "Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."-James Baldwin

Businesses: "66% of senior executives surveyed agreed that their company's financial performance would benefit from addressing the issue of domestic violence among its employees."-2001 American Institute on Domestic Violence "More secretaries were slain on the job in 1993 than police officers and bartenders combined."-American Institute on Domestic Violence

What can you do if you know or suspect someone is being abused?

If someone you know is being abused you need to first address any immediate safety needs. If the victim is currently in danger ask him/her if he/she wants you to call the police or an ambulance. Once a victim's immediate safety needs have been met, the most important thing you can do is listen. It is important to relay to the victim that "No one deserves to be abused", and that he/she is not alone. Do not tell the victim what to do or place any negative blame on his/her actions. Let the victim know she is not responsible for the abuse, and that only the abuser can stop the abusive behavior.

What domestic violence services are available?

For a complete and updated list of domestic violence services in the state of Utah, please call 1-800-897-LINK (5465) or visit the DV Linkline website. You may also visit our resources page; look under the domestic violence help and general information tab.