Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one person to control another. Some indications of abuse within intimate partner relationships include:

• Hitting, slapping or punching
• Threatening an intimate partner, child or pet
• Restricting a partner’s access to finances or ability to leave the house
• Threatening to kill one’s partner or threatening suicide
• Isolating a partner from her family and friends
• Harassing a partner at work

Domestic Violence Facts:

• One in four women will be the victim of some form of intimate partner violence during their lifetimes.
• Domestic violence can repeat itself in families. Boys who witness violence at home are much more likely to be abusive as adults than their peers. Girls who witness violence at home as children are at greater risk for becoming victims as adults.
• On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends each day. 94% of the offenders in murder-suicides involving intimate partners are male.
• 1 in 3 teens report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, slapped, choked or physically assaulted by a partner.

Gateway advocates are always available by phone at (770) 536-5860 to help. For more information on specific domestic violence situations or resources for domestic violence victims, please visit our Resources page.