The effects of domestic violence are global, but the stories are personal. See how others have been affected by domestic violence in our Domestic Violence video series.

Dale Wells Speaks About His Experience Of Domestic Violence

The Latasha Norman story – An investigation Into Domestic Violence

Behind Closed Doors, Abuse Caught on Tape – ABC News

Actor Patrick Stewart talks about his experience of domestic violence

Paper Child – created by Lapo Melzi and Animated by Laura Yilmaz for African American Planning Commission.

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.

SERENITY – Victims of domestic violence take refuge at a temporary shelter in search of a new beginning.

Witness – An Eye For An Eye – Part I

Witness – An Eye For An Eye – Part II

The Effects of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a violent confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, sexual assault, or fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses / former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating relationship, adults related by blood or marriage, and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship.

The batterer uses acts of violence and a series of behaviors, including intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, and isolation to coerce and to control the other person. The violence may not happen often, but may remain a hidden and constant terrorizing factor. Domestic violence is not only physical and sexual violence but also psychological. Psychological violence means intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse through intimidation or manipulation to the detriment of the individual.

Domestic violence destroys the home. That’s why education is so important. It is the best defense against domestic violence – from identifying the signs, to understanding the cycle of abuse and the behavior of both the abuser and the victim. Only through understanding and education can we help families affected by Domestic Violence to fight back.