This Counseling Center Help Screen is about domestic violence, and more specifically spouse abuse. However, if you are not a spouse, please keep reading because this may pertain to you anyway. In spouse abuse, the couple may, but need not be married. They may be separated, divorced, or living together. They may just be dating.
Domestic violence occurs when a relationship is based on power and control.
The abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual. Often, one or more violent incidents are accompanied by an array of other types of abuse. They may not be as obvious, but help to firmly establish a pattern of intimidation and control in the relationship. This kind of abuse occurs in every race, class, and educational background, from doctors to truck drivers. In Texas, more than 100,000 women are assaulted in their homes at least once a week.