WARNING: Abusers can track your computer activity. If you are in danger, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE). And consider using a safer computer such as one from the library or a friend's house.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors through the use of power and control tactics used by one person over another in an intimate relationship. Partners may be dating, married or not married; separated; heterosexual, gay, lesbian, living together or not living together. Such abusive behaviors can include pushing, shoving, slapping, throwing objects; choking, isolating you from your loved ones; being called names and threatening to hurt you. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, crossing all boundaries of culture, age, race, sex, education, and socioeconomic status. No one deserves to be abused, no matter what the circumstances. http://www.domesticviolence.org/definition/
Is your relationship based on power and control?
The following is a diagram illustrating tactics used by abusers to assert their power and control over a victim of domestic violence. These examples do not happen to everyone who is a survivor but these are actions that might be used over a period of time.
http://www.hotpeachpages.net/lang/defnmore.html
http://www.ncdsv.org/images/PowerControlwheelNOSHADING.pdf
The following diagram illustrates the cycle of a domestic violence relationship, starting with verbal and emotional abuse and may escalate through physical and/or sexual abuse.
http://www.ncdsv.org/images/EqualitywheelNOSHADING.pdf
The following is a diagram that illustrates characteristics of a healthy relationship.
http://www.ncdsv.org/images/EqualitywheelNOSHADING.pdf