Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is when a caregiver, parent, spouse or partner uses abusive behavior to control the behavior of a child or partner. Women who are victims of domestic violence are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Domestic Violence Includes

• Physical abuse like hitting, slapping, choking, kicking, shaking, throwing objects, threats or physical restraint
• Emotional abuse like name calling, verbal attacks, humiliation, destroying personal items, harming pets or extreme jealousy
• Sexual abuse like unwanted touching or forced sexual acts
• Economic abuse like controlling access to money or forbidding the partner to work

If you are a Victim of Domestic Violence

• GO TO A SAFE PLACE– this can be the home of a friend or relative where the abuser cannot find you or an emergency shelter.
• Come up with a safety plan of what you need to do and what to bring with you in an emergency situation.
• Take your children with you.
• Don’t forget to bring your house keys, money and important documents with you.
• File an injunction for protection (restraining order) either at the Emergency Shelter or by contacting the Hillsborough County Domestic Violence 24–hour Hotline at (813) 247–SAFE or (813) 247– 7233

Instructor Tips:
Inform the participant that 2 million women are abused in the U.S. each year and domestic violence is a crime in all states.