Domestic Violence and Rape

Introduction to Domestic Violence and Rape

If you have suffered domestic violence or a sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. You can also contact 911/your local police department to speak to the authorities about filing charges.

Domestic violence is a variety of abuse that occurs within the home, between family members or couples. The typical image of domestic violence involves an adult male perpetrator and a female victim, often his wife or girlfriend. However, there are also women perpetrators of domestic violence, and men are sometimes victims. Really, any violence done by any family or group member towards another could qualify.

Domestic violence may take many forms. Destruction of property, psychological and emotional abuse, and physical and sexual assault are all com...More

Fast Facts: Learn! Fast!

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a variety of abuse that occurs within the home, between family members or couples.
Destruction of property, psychological and emotional abuse, and physical and sexual assault are all common forms.
On the milder but still quite serious side, perpetrators of domestic violence may threaten victims or use verbal put downs and bad name, attempt to publically humiliate them, or play manipulative mind games. Abusers may be act very jealously, and work to control victims' access to family and friends or employment.
Rape is a crime involving forced sexual activity, usually including sexual penetration, against the will of the victim.
In addition to the financial and social adjustment difficulties that are often associated with removing one's self from an ongoing abuse situation, survivors of domestic violence or rape can develop emotional and psychological concerns that last well after the physical injuries have healed.
No matter what type of violence you may have experienced (or are experiencing) or variety of emotional difficulty you may have incurred from such trauma, it is important that you not blame yourself for having been victimized.
Nobody deserves to be physically, sexually, emotionally, or spiritually abused as a child or as an adult.
Abusive people are unable or unwilling to effectively control or cope with their own impulses and to respect human dignity and rights.

For more information

News Articles

One Type of Injury Should Raise Red Flag for Domestic Violence
As many as one-third of adult women who have a particular fracture to their forearms may be victims of intimate partner violence, according to a new study. More...
Knowing What to Expect May Help After Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is common in America, with an attack occurring every 73 seconds. But having supportive care at the emergency department and afterwards can help heal the trauma, Penn State doctors say. More...
Radiology Study Suggests 'Horrifying' Rise in Domestic Violence During Pandemic
Data from a major Massachusetts hospital found a significant year-over-year jump in intimate partner violence cases among patients -- nearly all women -- who sought emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic's first few weeks. More...
Domestic Violence May Have Risen Under Stay-at-Home Rules
Domestic violence cases rose after Los Angeles and Indianapolis introduced stay-at-home rules to help stop the spread of COVID-19, researchers say. More...
'She Can't Get Away': U.S. Lockdowns Trigger Surge in Domestic Violence
People sheltering in place to avoid the threat of COVID-19 are finding themselves trapped with a more familiar source of danger -- their own spouse or parent. More...