What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is defined as a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional/psychological abuse, economic control, and/or interference with personal liberty that is directed toward a person of the opposite sex. In other words spouse or partner abuse can include something as obvious as a slap or a hit, but also includes less noticeable controlling, threatening or emotionally abusive behaviors. No one needs to stay in a relationship where they are being physically or emotionally abused by their partner or spouse.
Although it is usually hidden, domestic violence is a widespread problem that affects thousands of homes each year. It affects everyone, regardless or race, age, and economic status– to include individuals in the military.
Am I in an Abusive Relationship?
For many victims, this answer is easy: they’ve been battered enough to know. For others, the answer may be less clear. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may be experiencing domestic abuse.
- Are you frightened by your partner’s temper?
- Does your partner put you down or threaten you?
- Do you make decisions about activities and select your friends according to what your partner wants or how your partner will react?
- Does your partner destroy your belongings or limit your access to money?
- Does your partner try to keep you from your family and friends?
- Has your partner hit, kicked, punched, slapped, or pushed you?
You don’t have to live in an environment that degrades and/or physically affects you. If you are victim of domestic abuse, the Victim Advocacy Empowerment Program is committed to helping and supporting you.
What resources are available to victims of domestic abuse?
No matter what you may have been led to believe, nothing you say or do causes your partner to behave violently toward you, and it is not your fault.
The truth of the matter is, domestic abuse will not go away on its own and will get worse with time. It can result in extreme harm to you and your children. Sometimes, it can even result in death.
The Army combats domestic violence through victim advocacy. The Fort Richardson Victim Advocacy Empowerment Program offers several services to all victims of domestic abuse.
Our Services Include:
- Safety Planning
- Coordination of emergency services, transportation, housing & food
- Assistance in obtaining protection orders
- Accompaniment to court proceedings & meetings with law enforcement and/or command
- Providing you with information on your rights
The Army also understands how difficult it may be to report the abuse, and offers all victims reporting options.
