Domestic Violence Information

Domestic violence usually involves issues of power and control in intimate relationships. The level of violence often escalates over time, even though there are often periods of calm between abusive episodes. Although they are not necessarily the causes of domestic violence, social and economic factors can play a role. Alcoholism and substance abuse can exacerbate the situation.

Domestic violence cuts across all economic and education levels, all age groups, ethnicities and other social and community characteristics. Your neighbor, your office mate, even your friend may be in an abusive relationship.

It touches all of us. Domestic violence impacts job turnover, school performance, and contributes to the high cost of law enforcement, civil/criminal justice, health services, mental health, and substance abuse treatment, human services and community-based services. We’re all paying for it.

Perhaps the most insidious thing about abuse is its effect on children. Boys who witness abuse are more likely to become abusive, and girls who witness abuse are more likely to be abused. It's estimated that up to 13 million children witness abuse each year.

Stopping domestic violence is a daunting task. But domestic violence is also learned behavior that can be unlearned. Change is possible. We see it every day.