Domestic Violence

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence happens when someone in an intimate replationship uses fear, threats, or physical violence to control their partner.

This person may try to gain control in many ways, such as:

  • Physically hurting you (hitting, kicking, slapping, shoving, pulling your hair).
  • Keeping you isolated from family and friends.
  • Tracking your time and movements.
  • Not allowing you to make decisions about money.
  • Hurting you emotionally (threatening you, calling you names, humiliating you, making you feel bad about yourself, making you afraid).
  • Forcing you into unwanted sexual activities.
  • Using your disability against you.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone-regarding of your age, race, religion, or how much money or education you have.

Victims of domestic violence must often struggle with feelings of fear, loyalty, guilt and shame. Their children also often live in fear. Because victims are often socially or geographically isolated and may have few financial resources, many victims continue to live in fear, unaware that help is available.

If this is happening to you (or someone you know), call the Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline for help and information. You have the right to live without fear and violence.

          Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline
                                (800) 562-6025

Safety Planning

Do not underestimate the danger to you or your children if you are being hurt or threatened.

  • Contact a domestic violence program for help.
  • Tell a trusted friend, family member or neighbor what is happening.
  • Before you leave the relationship, have a plan to collect important papers, medication and any special equipment.

Help protect yourself from abuse.

Visit www.protectionorder.org for information about domestic violence and protection orders.
* legal forms                                  * links to resources                            * important phone numbers
* commonly asked questions         * information in six languages            * explaination of the legal system