The partners may be married or not married, living together, separated or dating. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of domestic violence and can lead to criminal abuse. The violence takes many forms and can happen all the time or once in a while. An important step to help yourself or someone you know in preventing or stopping violence is recognizing the warning signs listed on the Violence Wheel . There is no typical profile of domestic violence victims except that they are usually female and children.
Children living in homes where a mother is abused are more likely to be abused themselves.
Even if they are not, children who witness abuse are victims. If any of this applies to you, help is yours for the asking. You are not to blame. Battering is a crime. If you are in immediate danger call 911.