Texas Domestic Violence Resource Center
Domestic violence is one of the biggest issues in the United States today. While many people think that spousal and other types of domestic abuse are largely a thing of the past, the sad truth is that 25% of women – one in four women – has been the victim of some form of domestic abuse in their lives. Even more shockingly, nearly 75% of Americans know someone who has been the victim of domestic abuse.
The Texas Domestic Abuse Resource Center was created with the hope that it would help the victims of domestic violence find resources that can help them. We hope that the information contained on this site will help people identify domestic abuse when it happens, and put them in touch with the resources they need. Domestic violence is a tragic issue, and it is the responsibility of all of society to help put a stop to it.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
One of the biggest reasons that domestic abuse persists is that many people do not realize that the term encompasses a wide variety of actions, from physical and sexual violence to threats and emotional and psychological abuse. Domestic abuse can best be defined as any abuse that occurs between members of an intimate relationship. Some of the most common forms of abuse are:
- Physical violence, including hitting, kicking, biting, cutting, throwing objects or striking in any way
- Domineering and threatening behavior
- Unwanted sexual advances, assault, and threats
- Chronic belittling
- Controlling behavior
- Stalking
In general, if you feel that you are being abused, there is a good chance that you are.
- Guide to identifying domestic violence
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page on domestic violence
Who Is Affected?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, domestic violence intimately affects 32 million Americans every year – approximately 10% of people in all walks of life.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of race, gender, income bracket, education, or age. About 25% of women have been abused by their partners, as have about 8% of men.
What to Do
The most important thing to do in cases of domestic violence is to get out. Many people stay in abusive relationships because they think it is better for the children. This cannot be further from the truth. You owe it to yourself and your children to get out of an abusive relationship. Get to a safe place and call 911 as soon as you can.