A little about Domestic Violence

By Forks Abuse Programs, a United Way Member Agency

A little about Domestic Violence. . .
Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior, not just physical abuse. It can be emotional and it can be sexual.

Does your partner:
Embarrass or make fun of you in front of your friends or family?
Put down your accomplishments or goals?
Make you feel like you are unable to make decisions?
Use intimidation or threats to gain compliance?
Tell you that you are nothing without them?
Treat you roughly -- grab, pinch, shove, or hit you?
Call you several times a night or show up to make sure you are where you said you would be?
Use drugs or alcohol as an excuse for saying hurtful things or abusing you?
Blame you for how they feel or act?
Pressure you sexually for things you aren't ready for?
Make you feel like there "is no way out" of the relationship?
Prevent you from doing things you want -- like spending time with your friends or family?
Try to keep you from leaving after a fight, or leave you somewhere after a fight to "teach you a lesson"?

Do you:
Sometimes feel scared of how your partner will act?
Constantly make excuses to other people for your partner's behavior?
Believe that you can help your partner change if only you changed something about yourself?
Feel afraid to do anything that would cause conflict or make your partner angry?
Feel like no matter what you do, your partner is never happy with you?
Always do what your partner wants you to do instead of what you want?
Stay with your partner because you're afraid of what your partner would do if you left?

If any of these things are happening, please give us a call (360/374-2273). An advocate is always available to listen, and to help you find solutions.