You have a right to live a life free from abuse. DV is a pattern of behaviors used by one woman to gain power over another in their relationship. This includes using force or coercion to control another woman emotionally, physically, sexually or spiritually. The abuse may begin as isolation, by controlling contact with family or friends, or limiting political or social activities. The abuse may escalate to physical violence, pushing, shoving, slapping, spitting, punching, use of weapons, reckless driving, etc.
Physical violence can be severe and life-threatening.
Any physical contact which does not respect a woman's right to say no is violence. This includes sexual abuse, unwanted or forced sex, or any time a woman is sexual with her partner because she is afraid that if she says no, something worse may happen. Lesbians of color, mothers or rural lesbians can lose their communities, their children, and their support systems in abusive relationships or when seeking help. You may have reasons for staying in a violent or abusive relationship. Fear, commitments to your children or the abuser, or financial reasons may lead to a decision to stay.