Children who live in violent homes are at high risk for physical abuse and nearly all experience emotional harm by hearing or witnessing the abuse of a parent. The information in this guide is directed towards people who are abused by their partners or spouses. It may also be helpful to other victims of abuse or neglect. The Abuse Prevention Law offers protection to people who are physically abused and to those who are at serious risk of physical abuse. The law also protects abused housemates, roommates and same sex partners.
Domestic violence is a pattern of control used by one person to exert power over another.
Verbal abuse, threats, physical, and sexual abuse are the methods used to maintain power and control. Domestic violence may occur in a particular pattern or may be random acts. It may happen frequently or may be a rare occurrence. Domestic violence crosses all social, economic, racial, cultural and religious boundaries. Experience indicates that incidents of violence tend to increase over time, as does the severity of the attacks.