What is domestic abuse?There are many forms of domestic abuse, ranging from screaming threats to pushing and shoving. Contrary to what many women think, abuse isn't just physical battering.Domestic abuse may include emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, using children, threats, using male privilege, intimidation, isolation and a variety of other behaviors used to maintain fear, intimidation and power. In all cultures, the perpetrators are most commonly the men of the family.
Nearly one in three adult women experiences at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood, according to the American Psychological Association in a 1996 report.Domestic abuse does not discriminate against race, age and socioeconomic background. No specific type of woman is more prone to being battered by her partner, nor is one type of woman completely safe from abuse.What Victims of Domestic Violence Need to Know?The abuse is not your fault
You don't deserve to be abused
You can't change someone who is abusive
Staying in the relationship won't stop the abuse
With time the abuse always gets worse
If you stay, make a plan to keep yourself safe when the abuse happens again
You CAN Fight Back!Signs of Domestic AbuseActs of domestic violence generally fall into one or more of these categories:Physical battering -- The abuser's physical attacks or aggressive behavior can range from bruising to murder.Sexual abuse -- Physical attack by the abuser is often accompanied by or culminates in, sexual violence.Psychological battering -- The abuser's psychological or mental violence can include constant verbal abuse, harassment, excessive possessiveness, isolating the woman from friends and family, and depriving her of food, money, clothes, and destroying her personal property.
Be Prepared!If you have been assaulted, you can report it to the police.The Criminal Code says that assault is a criminal offence. The Code describes three types of assault and sets maximum penalties (called sentences) for each type.The three types of assault are:
Simple assault (most common assault). Examples are slapping, pushing or shoving, punching or threatening that he or she will harm you or your children.Assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm. Examples are an assault where you are beaten with a baseball bat or an assault where you get a black eye or broken bones.Aggravated assault is an assault where your life is endangered or you are wounded, maimed or disfigured. Examples are where the offender threatens to kill you or where your injuries from the assault leave you with a limp or scars.Warning signs of an Abusive RelationshipAre you frightened of your partner's temper?
Are you often compliant because you are afraid to hurt your partner's feelings or are afraid of your partner's anger?
Do you have the urge to "rescue" your partner when your partner is in trouble?
Do you find yourself apologizing to others for your partner's behavior when you are treated badly?
Have you been hit, kicked, shoved, or had things thrown at you by your partner when he was jealous or angry?
Do you make decisions about activities and friends according to what your partner wants or how your partner will react?
Do you drink or use drugs to dull the pain or join your partner so he won't get mad?
Do you consent easily to your partner to avoid angering him?
What are some of the warning signs?
He is extremely jealous.
Wants to know where you are at all times.
Gets upset if you spend time with friends or family.
Holds rigid expectations of male/female or adult/child role.
He expects you to meet his emotional needs.  read more »