Domestic violence can happen to anyone.
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
What is Domestic Abuse? Domestic abuse, also called “domestic violence”, “intimate partner violence”, or “family violence”, is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Domestic violence also includes any actions or threats of actions that are used to influence another person.
Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, stalking, emotional, psychological, economic and spiritual.
Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time
Creating a safety plan can be the difference of life and death. Safety plans are individualized according to each survivor’s situation. Click to learn about safety planning considerations to help you get started, or call our hotline anytime for assistance, 713-528-2121.
Why is it so hard to “just leave”?
For survivors, the decision to stay in an abusive relationship is complicated, while the decision to leave takes a lot of courage. Someone may stay for a number of reasons:
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- Fear
- Normalized abuse
- Shame
- Intimidation
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of resources
- Disability
- Immigration status
- Cultural context
- Children
- Beloved Pet
The Tell-Tale Signs of an Abusive Relationship
There are many signs of an abusive relationship. The most telling sign is fear of your partner.
Does your partner …
- Intimidate?
- Manipulate?
- Humiliate?
- Isolate?
- Frighten?
- Terrorize?
- Coerce?
- Threaten?
- Blame?
- Hurt, injure and/or cause bruising?
- Control your money?
Do you …
- Have constant fear of your partner?
- Feel helplessness or emotionless?
- Believe you deserve to be mistreated?
- Believe the abuse is your fault?
- Feel humiliated?
- Feel embarrassed to disclose to your friends/family?
- Feel your partner blames you for their own abusive behavior?
- Feel your partner’s temper is unpredictable?
- Feel your partner always tries to control you?
Where can you go when you decide to leave?
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- Survivors are encouraged to call our Hotlines or LiveChat with us for assistance. If you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911.
- Domestic Violence Hotline: (713) 528-2121
Sexual Assault Hotline: (713) 528-RAPE (7273)
TTY: (346) 295-8994
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for your safety. Creating a safety plan can be the difference of life and death. Safety plans are individualized according to each survivor’s situation. Click for a sample to help you get started, or call our hotline for assistance.
USE THE COMMUNITY ADVOCATES’ “3Rs”:
1. Listen empathetically
“You do not deserve to be treated this way.”
2. Accept and validate
“I believe you, what can I do to support you?”
3. Provide resources (911, hotlines)
“I am concerned for your safety, help is available.”