Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to maintain power and control over an intimate partner.  The violence can take the form of physical, emotional, sexual and economic abuse.  Often times, the violent partner uses a combination of these behaviors to maintain control. 

Domestic violence can happen to anyone.  It can affect any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender.  It applies to couples who are married, living together, or dating.  It affects all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

It’s not always easy to tell if a relationship will become abusive.  Many times, abusive partners can seem perfect and charming early on in the relationship.  Possessive and controlling behaviors don’t always appear overnight – they can emerge and intensify as the relationship grows. 

Abusive people typically use a pattern of behaviors to maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family member.  These behaviors can include physical harm, cause fear, prevent someone from doing what they wish, or force a person to behave in ways they do not want.  The different forms of abuse that are often used include:

• Physical Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Financial Abuse 

It’s important to understand that domestic violence doesn’t look the same in every relationship because every relationship is different.  The one common factor is that the abuser does many different things to maintain more power and control over another person.

If you have concerns about a relationship with an intimate partner or a family member, please call us.  Our advocates are available 24/7 to talk with you about what you’re experiencing.  Just call 1.800.382.5603.

Human Trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery.  There are two types of human trafficking – sex trafficking and labor trafficking.  In both types, traffickers use tactics of force, fraud or coercion to control victims.  Tactics traffickers use include violence, sexual violence, threats, blackmail, false promises, deception, manipulation, debt bondage and more to trap vulnerable individuals in horrendous situations.

Sex Trafficking occurs when a person (trafficker) forces another person (victim) into commercial sex for financial gain.  In the United States, minors under 18 years of age are considered to be a victim of sex trafficking regardless of the use of force, fraud or coercion.  Traffickers target victims, often building trust, before using violence, threats, lies, false promises, debt bondage or other forms of control and manipulation to keep victims involved in the sex industry. 

Labor trafficking occurs when a trafficker forces a victim to perform labor or services using force, fraud or coercion.  This includes situations of debt bondage, forced labor and involuntary child labor.  Labor trafficking exists in many industries, including domestic work in homes as well.  Workers are often subjected to terrible conditions with little or no benefits.  When subjected to debt bondage, victims often feel as though they have no escape. 

Labor traffickers commonly make false promises, such as high pay, education opportunities, great benefits and more to lure victims.  Employers maintain control with physical and psychological abuse, leading victims to believe the only choice is to continue working for that employer.