Domestic violence can happen to anyone.
Married couples. People who are living together or who are dating. Teens. College students. Newlyweds. So-called “Power Couples” blessed with wealth and fame. Men and women working to raise themselves out of poverty. LGBTQ partners. People with disabilities. Seniors. Anyone.
Domestic violence affects everyone. So we all need to understand what domestic violence is. Learn how to recognize the signs of DV happening in your own life, or in the lives of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers. Anyone you know.
Always remember: Domestic violence shows itself as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to get or keep power and control over an intimate partner.
Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions to influence another person. In an abusive relationship, one intimate partner uses physical, sexual, emotional or other violence to try to gain and maintain power and control over the other partner. The abuser engages in behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, insult, injure or wound his or her intimate partner. In addition to these violent actions, an abuser makes threats against the intimate partner. Threats are abuse, too.
Every human being has the right to feel safe, to live each day, and rest each night, free from violent actions and intimidating threats.
Every human heart can admit what love is—and is not. Love is not abuse. Domestic violence is never acceptable in any relationship.
Every service at Haven Hills is designed to help victims of abuse, and the community at large, recognize these facts about domestic violence. Victims can call our 24/7 Crisis Line, learn about our 30-Day Crisis Housing or 18-month Longer-Term options, find out about group or one-on-one counseling, get help with economic options, gain hope, create responsible new plans for themselves and their children.
Every member of the Haven Hills staff, administration, and board has made a heartfelt commitment to help DV victims get help, survive, and thrive in lives free from abuse.
If, as you read this, you recognize that the pattern of power and control that define domestic violence is present in your current relationship or if you have been the victim of physical, sexual, psychological violence or violent threats, reach out to us today to make your life safer and your future brighter. You are not alone, and help, hope, kindness, understanding, resources, options, opportunity, and open hearts are ready to greet you when you call.
