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Often including a threat of physical violence, domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power over another party — which can be a romantic partner, child, extended family member, or entire household. Through fear tactics and intimidation, an abuser seeks to gain total control over their victim(s).
Domestic violence affects the entire household in which it occurs. Over half of female victims live in households with children under the age of 12. These children can have lasting psychological damage from witnessing acts of violence, as well as:
An abusive relationship is one that is never deserved, but unfortunately, many individuals suffer abuse at the hands of a close partner. New Directions has prepared a list of red flags and discovery questions to ask yourself if you suspect a partner is abusive towards you or other loved ones. Please use the questions below to explore your current situation:
Are you in a relationship in which you have been physically hurt or threatened by your partner?
Are you in a relationship in which you felt you were treated badly? In what ways?
Has your partner ever destroyed things that you care about?
Has your partner ever threatened or abused your children?
Has your partner ever forced you to have sex when you didn’t want to?
What happens when you and your partner disagree?
Do you ever feel afraid of your partner?
Has your partner ever prevented you from leaving the house, seeing friends, getting a job, or continuing your education?
If your partner uses drugs/alcohol, how does s/he act?
Is s/he ever verbally or physically abusive?
Do you have guns in your home? Has your partner ever threatened to use them when s/he was angry?
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The types of sexual harassment include:
Grabbing, pinching, brushing up or rubbing against, crowding, following
Whistles, catcalls, sexual comments, sexual rumors
Facial gestures, hand gestures, writing on walls
Sexual harassment becomes illegal when submission is made either explicitly or implicitly a term of condition for employment, rejection is used as a basis for employment decisions, or the conduct has the purpose of unreasonably interfering with work performance and creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
While some argue that sexual harassment is no more than flirting, there are clear differences between the two. Flirting is typically enjoyed by both parties and is complimentary in nature. Flirting can cross the line into sexual harassment when one person controls the interaction, the receiver does not welcome the remarks, it is not mutual, and there is no desire to continue the interaction.
f you feel safe doing so, communicate to your harasser what you are feeling and that you expect the behavior to stop. You may do this verbally or in writing. If you choose, you may get help and support from a friend, parent, professional, or other trusted adult.
If the behavior is repeated, go to a person in authority — such as a principal, counselor, complaint manager, or supervisor. Document exactly what happened. Then, give a copy of your written record to the authority and keep one for yourself. Whenever possible and appropriate, use exact quotes.
Your documentation should include the following information:
If the behavior is repeated again, go to a person in higher authority — such as a school board member, the superintendent of schools, the president of the college, the company president, etc. Keep documenting the behavior.
At any point in the process, you may choose to contact the Office of Civil Rights, your State Department of Education, your State Department of Human Rights, an attorney, or a police officer.
If you did not say "yes" before a romantic encounter, it was sexual assault. Remember – it was not your fault. Make the choices now to take action. The next steps can include:
New Directions is on a mission to end violence before it begins.
For individuals currently experiencing physical, sexual, or psychological harm, we offer a variety of resources to help move past the trauma and reclaim their lives. Resources include a 24/7 helpline and text line, a crisis shelter, and peer-led support groups.
In our youth advocacy programs, we share with children and teens what it means to maintain safe, respectful, and loving relationships. These programs are designed to strengthen the core bonds of our community as well as combat the cycle of violence.