What is Domestic Violence?

The National Domestic Violence Hotline defines domestic violence as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship. This control is maintained in a variety of ways; however, abusers most commonly use physical violence, threats, and verbal and emotional abuse to encourage unhealthy dependencies. 

Domestic Violence, also known as, Intimate Partner Violence, is abuse because it involves causing physical or emotional harm to another (significant other). It is also important to note that, domestic violence does not discriminate and can affect anyone irregardless of race, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status or age.

Because we know that most women we work with have been in a pattern of abusive relationships, HOOC, NFP services are geared towards teaching women the importance of self-love, healthy intimate and non-intimate relationships, red flags and self-care. These are all important pieces of encouraging women to make informed choices in some of the most prime areas of their lives, and that would be relationships.