Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pervasive social problem that crosses all ethnic, racial, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religious and socioeconomic lines. It is a pattern of abusive behaviors committed by one member of an intimate relationship that controls or dominates the other individual. Domestic violence may be psychological, sexual, economic, or physical in nature and the lives of victims are deeply affected by unequal power relationships with their partners. It is a relationship strategy based on a systematic pattern of coercive control. It is done almost exclusively within intimate partner relationships by individuals who have the ability to be respectful to others. It is not an anger management issue or the result of substance abuse, mental illness, or other possible rationales; it is a desire for power and control over the victim and a choice to act in ways that achieve this goal.

We go into the community to educate people, and especially our young people, to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and to promote healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships. We teach young people healthy relationship skills such as communication, effectively managing feelings, and problem-solving. These skills can stop violence in dating relationships before it occurs. We also teach people how to help others that they believe are in an abusive situation.

We also help victims by going to the source of the abuse. Research finds that perpetrating abuse is a learned behavior, and thus can be changed. The primary goal is for batterers to change their belief system, which is that they have the right to abuse someone. Our Batterers Intervention Programs, in coordination with other systems, hold them accountable for their actions and do not tolerate blaming others or thinking of themselves as victims.