Intimate partner / domestic violence - What are the signs of abuse?

Domestic violence is most commonly thought of as intimate partner violence, but can also include violence or abuse from a family member. By definition, it involves violence or abuse by one person against another in a familial or intimate relationship.

The term “intimate partner violence” includes the following acts as inflicted or caused by a current or former intimate partner:

• Actual or threats of physical violence

• Actual or threats of sexual violence

• Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g., name calling or putdowns, threats to “out” a person’s sexual orientation to family, work or friends)

• Stalking (e.g., excessive calls/texts/emails, monitoring daily activities, using technology to track a person’s location)

• Financial abuse (e.g., withholding money, ruining credit, stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job)

• Threats to “out” a person’s sexual orientation to family, work or friends

Intimate partners can include:

• Current or former spouses

• Boyfriends or girlfriends

• Dating partners

• Sexual partners

Domestic violence can occur in heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

Are you or someone you care about in an abusive relationship? There is help available.

Jefferson East, Inc. supports survivors of intimate partner and domestic violence abuse. In partnership with Wayne State University/Urban Advocacy Corps and the Detroit Police Department, we offer assistance to those in need of help and safety.

Please click this link to access contact information for these important resources. You may also contact Krystal Fields, JEI’s Director of Clean and Safe Programs, via email at kfields@jeffersoneast.org or by phone at (313) 314-2678 with questions.

💜  Love is not supposed to hurt.