Domestic Violence.
YCC Presentation and Resources
612-9568.

Knowledge is Power

Utilizing the Power of Community to Prevent Domestic Violence

Definition of Domestic Violence

It is a systematic pattern of physical, emotional,
sexual, psychological and economic abusive behaviors
used in a relationship by one partner to control
another;
It includes a pattern of power and control that a
person exercises over another that physically harms,
induces fear or prevents/forces a person to act in a
way they do not wish to act; and
It occurs between any family or household member,
spouse or ex-spouse, or any persons having had a
dating or engagement relationship

Domestic Violence is a crime against individuals as well as society.
Who is Affected by Domestic Violence
Profile of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence encompasses all races, ethnic
groups, educational levels, social and economic
classes, sexual orientations, religions, and physical
and mental abilities.

Statistics on Domestic Violence

One out of every four American women report that they
have been physically abused by a husband or boyfriend
at some point.
In the U.S. a woman is beaten every 15 seconds by an
intimate partner.
Nationally, 75% of battered women say that their
children are also battered.
Up to 50% of all homeless women and children in the
United States are fleeing domestic violence.

Types of Domestic Abuse

Physical Abuse: it is recurrent and escalates in
severity and frequency. Physical abuse includes:
Hitting/Slapping
Punching/Kicking
Shoving/Pushing
Choking or strangling
Biting
Twisting arms
Tripping
Forcefully restraining
Pulling Hair
Denying physical comforts such as heat, water and food
Using a weapon, gun, knife, blunt object, lighted cigarette

Emotional or Psychological Abuse: may precede or
accompany physical abuse as a way of gaining control
through fear and intimidation.

Sexual Abuse: may include sexual harassment, forced
sexual acts, calling of sexually derogatory names,
infliction of pain during intercourse.

Isolation: is used to cut off the victim from friends
and family as well as access to options and information.

Battering is not the result of a batterer being out of
control but rather is the attempt of the batterer to
stay IN control.

Why Does it Happen?

He thinks it is his right and is part of his role
He feels entitled to use force
He has learned this behavior in the past
This behavior works
His need to control seems to increase with stress in his life.

3 Phases of the Cycle of Abuse

Phase 1: Tension Building
Phase 2: Explosion
Phase 3: Honeymoon

Phase 1:	Characterized by a building of tension, anger and blaming. Woman feels as if "she is walking on eggshells." She believes she is responsible for the eruption of violence and does everything possible to avoid another blow up.
Phase 2:	This is when the battering incident occurs. It can include sexual abuse, verbal threats, or the use of objects or weapons.
Phase 3:	Reconciliation takes place by the abuser repenting, loving and insisting it will never happen again. Victim sees the abuser as the partner of her dreams. Often called Honeymoon phase.

Increased Risks of Harm
In time, the cycle begins again with Phase 1 and
increases in severity and frequency.
Rather than a series of independent acts, it is most
often a part of a process by which the perpetrator
maintains control and domination over the victim.
Danger escalates when the batterer perceives that the
partner may be leaving him.
Victims who leave their perpetrators are at a greater
risk for being hurt or killed.

How Can You Help?
Assist the victim in developing a SAFETY PLAN

Safety Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence:

Always keep some money hidden
Possess extra keys for the house and car
Have important documents readily available:

Bank accounts
Insurance policies
Marriage license
Driver's license
Social security numbers
Birth certificates (your own and your children's)
Valuable jewelry

Have items hidden in one central place such as the
garage, a closet, an overnight or exercise
bag...whatever is available! Determine where to put it
for quick and easy access.

Figure out your partner's pattern of behavior during
the violent stage.

DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL THE POLICE
Notify a neighbor to be alert to strange noises and to
call the police.
Get rid of weapons in the house, especially if your
partner becomes violent.

Suggestions for Friends, Family and Neighbors
If you notice an injury, inquire about it if you feel comfortable.
"I've seen other women with this type of injury and
they've been hurt by their partners, is this happening to you? "

Believe the victim's story
Listen and give non-blaming feedback
Let the victim know she is not alone
Realize the victim may be in great danger

Assure her she is not to blame for the abuse
Maintain confidentiality when someone discloses domestic violence
A slip to another person can result in increased
danger if the abuser finds out that the victim has
reached out for help.
Put the victim in touch with resources that can help.

What can you do?
Know the resources available for victims of domestic violence

Domestic Violence Resources at Your Community Connection

Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Center
Shelter
Crisis Intervention
Aftercare Case Management
Protective Orders
Support Counseling
Support Groups
YCC Resources Cont.
Self-Esteem Program
10 week program helping women improve their
self-esteem, increase their self worth and personal power
Thrift Store
Literacy/English as a Second Language Classes
Adult High School/GED

Thursday Night Bar
Free legal advice provided by volunteer attorneys
Employment Services
Help with finding and keeping a job
Parenting Classes
Help with raising responsible children
Homeless Housing Assistance Center
Transitional Housing Program
HOPE-Homeless Prevention Education Program
Medical Services
Volunteer Doctor on site one afternoon each week

Financial Services
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Consumer Education
Monthly home buyers classes
Budgeting
Opening and managing a bank account
Bad credit assistance
Rape Recovery Center
Crisis Intervention and support groups for sexual
assault and rape survivors
YCC Child & Youth Resources
Child Care Center
Self-Esteem & Anger Management Groups
Counseling for children with a history of Domestic
Violence or abuse
Youth Programs
Teen mentors with at risk youth
Fitness and games
Youth Council
Teen volunteers and Youth Corps coordinate volunteer
projects with schools and YCC
YCC Child and Youth Resources Cont.
Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance (CHIP)
Helping low-income families in need of medical
assistance enroll in Medicaid or Children's Health
Insurance Program
Courage to Change
Teen support group for sexual assault survivors

Other Domestic Violence Resources
The Shelter in Davis County
. . . Offers crisis shelter for women and children
Weber County Sheriff's Domestic Violence Advocates
. . . Provides advocacy for victims of domestic violence
Weber County Attorney's Office
. . . Offers advocacy in court once charges have been filed against a perpetrator
Utah Legal Services (LAVA Program)
. . . Offers free support in obtaining a divorce for victims of domestic violence
Division of Child and Family Services
. . . Provides support services for families dealing with issues of domestic violence
Weber Human Services
. . . Domestic violence groups and individual counseling for victims and perpetrators
ISAT
. . . Counseling for perpetrators
Professional Services
. . . Counseling for perpetrators
Family Counseling Service
. . . Counseling for perpetrators
New Horizons
. . . Counseling for perpetrators