Safe Exit
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive, controlling and/or violent behavior toward a partner in an intimate relationship. It is often accompanied by emotional abuse that is part of a larger systematic pattern of dominance and control.
Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death.
The devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and can last a lifetime.
People who abuse their partners may employ verbal abuse, threats, isolation from family and friends, intimidation, financial control, sexual or physical violence, property damage or threats toward the victim’s family, pets, or even themselves. People who are abused often think they are to blame or that their situation is hopeless. If you feel this way and are being hurt or abused, it is NOT your fault. We can help.
If you need help, please call us at 978-388-1888. Our hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Unsure if you have experienced abuse? These questions may help. If you're not sure, please call us.
Does your partner ever:
- Put you down and then tell you that they love you?
- Question where you go, what you do or who you see?
- Relentlessly call, text, or email you?
- Keep you from seeing your friends or family?
- Scream at you, threaten, ridicule or criticize you repeatedly?
- Blame you for problems in your relationship?
- Undermine your parenting or say they will take away your children?
- Pressure you to have sex, do drugs or engage in illegal activities?
- Take your paycheck or restrict access to your money?
- Destroy your property?
Power and Control
The Power and Control Wheel is a helpful tool to understand the overall pattern of abusive and violent behavior. Physical and sexual assaults, or threats to commit them, are often linked to other abusive behaviors. Although physical assaults may occur only occasionally, they can instill the fear of future violence, allowing a person who uses harm to take control of their partner’s life.
To better understand the original Power and Control Wheel, watch these videos presented by Scott Miller, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs, home of The Duluth Model.