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| From: AtlantaSistah@aol.com | Posted: Aug-23-2000 6:50 am | Msg: 1FD3 |
| Subject: [Sistahtalk] Determining Domestic Violence | ||
| Checklist Items for Determining Domestic Violence Domestic violence is abusive behavior - emotional, psychological, physical, or sexual - that one person in an intimate relationship uses in order to control the other. Most domestic violence is committed against women by their male partners or ex-partners. It also occurs in lesbian and gay relationships and is common in teenage dating relationships. In a small number of cases, men are abused by female partners. The following checklist may help you decide if you or someone you know is being abused. 1. Does your partner: ..constantly criticize you or your abilities as a spouse or a partner, parent or employee? 2. ...behave in an overprotective manner or become extremely jealous? 3. ...threaten to hurt you, your children, pets, family members, friends or himself? 4. ...prevent you from seeing family and friends? 5. ...get suddenly angry or lose his temper? 6. ...destroy personal property or throw things around? 7. ...deny you access to family assets like bank accounts, credit cards, ATM card, car, or control all finances and force you to account for what you spend? 8. ...use intimidation or manipulation to control you or the children? 9. ...hit, punch, slap, kick, shove, choke or bite you? 10. ...make you have sex when you don't want to or do things sexually that you don't want to? If you've answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a victim of domestic violence. You are not to blame and you are not alone. Not all acts of domestic violence are violations of the law. But in any case, you need not face domestic violence alone. You deserve help, and help is available through the local police department, the court system, and shelters. There are advocates in almost every community that will help you with the legal and psychological support you need. About the Submitter: Submitted by Carmen Stine, PhD(c), who can be reached at coach@welcometoyourlife.com, or visited on the web at http://wwww.welcometoyourlife.com | ||