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Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic and Intimate partner violence (DV & IPV)  can take many forms. While DV is violence in a relationship within the household, IPV is used to describe violence in a romantic relationship where the couple may or may not be living together. The abuse experienced in these relationships can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, cultural, psychological, or technological. Actions, threats of actions, or other patterns of coercive, abusive behaviors are used to  maintain power and control over another person. The frequency and severity of domestic and intimate partner violence can vary dramatically.  
 

For examples of abusive behavior, please visit the Office on Violence Against Women.

Statistics

The data around domestic & intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) is deeply concerning  The latest Department of Justice statistics show that DV & IPV made up 15% of all violent crime in the US, and based on 2020–2024 data compiled  by FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program , roughly 27.5% of violent crimes in the U.S. involve domestic relationships, a figure that has slightly increased in recent years  The latest data available from the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) shows that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 2.5 men   have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Most IPV incidents are underreported and researchers estimate that 20 - 25% of all IPV and 50% of all DV cases are reported to the police.

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While domestic violence impacts everyone, it disproportionately impacts women and minorities especially young women, women of color and Native American women.

 

Survivors of domestic violence can experience a range of negative health outcomes, including emotional stress, psychological trauma, physical injury, and death. MAAV is working to end that.

Common Legal Questions

There are many legal questions about Domestic Violence. We’ve prepared a list of Common Legal Questions to help guide you.

Warning Signs of Abuse

It is not always easy to predict if a relationship will become abusive, but even one or two behaviors can flag that abuse may be present. The National Domestic Violence Hotline details what to look for here: Domestic Abuse Warning Signs.

Basic Rights in a Relationship

Both partners in a relationship deserve following*

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  • The right to good will from the other.

  • The right to emotional support.

  • The right to be heard by the other and to be responded to with courtesy.

  • The right to have your own view, even if your partner has a different view.

  • The right to have your feelings and experience acknowledged as real.

  • The right to receive a sincere apology for any jokes you may find offensive.

  • The right to clear and informative answers to questions that concern what is legitimately your business.

  • The right to live free from accusation and blame.

  • The right to live free from criticism and judgment.

  • The right to have your work and your interests spoken of with respect.

  • The right to encouragement.

  • The right to live free from emotional and physical threat.

  • The right to live free from angry outbursts and rage.

  • The right to be called by no name that devalues you.

  • The right to be respectfully asked rather than ordered.

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*Adapted from Patricia Evans 1992 book, The Verbally Abusive Relationship

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