What is Domestic Violence
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic
violence as a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control
over another person through fear and intimidation. Often including the
threat or use of violence, when one person believes they are entitled
to control another.
While the police are concerned with the commission of a crime (assault,
battery, kidnapping etc. as noted above), the advocacy community is
concerned with the larger picture. Notice that the law enforcement side
doesn't look at (and can't arrest or prosecute for) emotional abuse,
financial control, isolation techniques, the destruction of the
victim's relationships with family and friends; child custody and
visitation issues. Fortunately for victims, there are social
scientists, researchers, domestic violence programs, advocates, and
other professionals that can and do take these factors into consideration.
Together all sides work to bring safety for victims and their
children.
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