Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that includes different types of abuse.
Examples of abuse: Emotional, psychological, physical, financial, sexual + litigation.
Domestic violence is the result of a person’s feeling of entitlement to have power and control over their partner or family member and their choice to use abusive behaviors to gain and maintain that power and control.
Because domestic violence is all about control, it is common for the abuse to continue even after an intimate relationship has ended. When a survivor decides to end the relationship, the abuser may escalate abusive behaviors and use increased violence to regain control of the survivor.
“HE WOULD NEVER HURT ME”…
Sometimes abusive behaviors start subtly and escalate over time. And sometimes they are so pervasive that the abuse simply becomes what we know. When a survivor does recognize that they’re in an abusive relationship, they may not think that it will ever escalate to physical violence or worse, fatal violence. There are signs that abuse is escalating and may become lethal…
FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL 911
Safe Futures Local Victim Advocacy
24/7 hotline: (860) 701-6001
Toll-Free: (888) 774-2900
All crisis services are free & confidential CTSafeConnect.org
- Has your abuser ever used a weapon against you or threatened you with a weapon?
- Has your abuser ever threatened to kill you or your children?
- Do you think your abuser might try to kill you?
- Has physical violence increased in frequency or severity in the past 6 months?
- Does your abuser have a gun or can they easily get one?
- Has your abuser ever tried to choke you? Have you recently left, separated from or divorced your abuser?
Safe Futures
The Safe Futures hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Certified crisis counselors are available to:
- Assess immediate danger
- Arrange safe shelter and transportation
- Meet you at an area hospital or police station
- Assist with creating a safety plan
- Offer counseling and resources