Mission

“It is the purpose of Domestic Violence Services, Inc. to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and to work toward ending violence within the community, now and in the future”

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can be defined as: a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse is: physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.
Domestic violence can happen to: anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating.

Domestic violence affects: people of all socio-economic status and education levels.

You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:

  • Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
  • Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
  • Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
  • Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
  • Does not want you to work.
  • Controls finances or refuses to share money.
  • Punishes you by withholding affection.
  • Expects you to ask permission.
  • Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
  • Humiliates you in any way.

*For a legal definition of domestic violence in your area check your states statutes*