Each year in October, domestic violence awareness month helps bring attention to an issue that occurs within domestic partnerships and intimate relationships of all kinds—and is often not talked about.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), also known as domestic violence, includes a wide range of violent, abusive, and manipulative behaviors meant to control a romantic partner. In addition, those living in households where domestic violence occurs can be deeply affected by that abuse, particularly children. Domestic violence includes a variety of abusive behaviors, such as: physical or sexual violence, emotional abuse and intimidation, verbal abuse, isolation, and financial abuse.
“Domestic violence is a form of abuse that spans many types of relationships and living situations,” says Keeli Sorensen, vice president of victim services. “Sexual abuse can be a pervasive issue in households where domestic violence is present, and that can include the sexual abuse of minor dependants. Countless survivors have contacted RAINN’s hotline to bravely share stories of sexual abuse that happened to them in households affected by domestic violence decades ago.”
If you have experienced domestic violence, whether by an intimate partner or as a child, there’s help out there. To speak with someone who’s trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org. You are not alone.
For more information on recognizing domestic violence of all kinds and supporting survivors, check out RAINN’s additional resources: