What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is one of the most common violent crimes in the United States. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive control that can take four forms: physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse.

Physical abuse includes slapping, hitting, kicking, burning, and mutilating.

Psychological abuse includes humiliating, ignoring, isolating from family and friends, and harassing.

Sexual abuse includes rape and unwanted sexual practices.

Financial abuse includes withholding money, lying about assets, and interfering with employment or educational pursuits.

Abuse tends to increase and become more violent over time. A woman is seven times more likely to be killed by her abusive partner when she decides to leave. Every eight days a woman dies in Massachusetts as a result of domestic violence. Domestic violence occurs in all races, religions, educational and economic levels. It occurs within our communities.