Resources
The CDC defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” While physical violence often comes to mind first, domestic violence takes many forms, including emotional abuse, threats, sexual abuse, technological abuse, and financial control.
Domestic Violence
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.
Teen Dating Abuse
Dating abuse is a pattern of destructive behaviors that exerts power and control over a dating partner. Teen dating violence is more common than many people think. One in three teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. The most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey - a nationally conducted survey of high school youth - data available shows 1 in 10 high school youth are physically hurt by a dating partner, and high school aged females are significantly more likely to report sexual dating violence than their male peers. And nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors. LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk for dating violence than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Only about a third of teens tell anyone about the violence they experience.
Resources for Families
If you are parenting in an unhealthy or abusive relationship or you suspect your teenager may be in an abusive relationship, help is available. Please contact us at any time.
Policy Action
As a member of Jane Doe Inc. (the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence), MAAV supports JDI’s advocacy for change through state and federal legislation and funding as well as in public and private systems to improve access to services, resources, and justice for survivors.
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Please visit Jane Doe Inc’s Policy Action page to learn more and contact MAAV if you would like to support our efforts.
