Domestic Violence is a Crime
Domestic Violence is a Crime
It may begin gradually as verbal or emotional attacks. It can start when your pregnant or when your baby is born. However, domestic violence is not okay.
What is Abuse?
- Emotional Abuse
- Constant criticism and jealousy
- Making you feel bad and blaming you for when you are not at fault
- Being lied to, punished, or threatened
- Isolation
- Preventing you from seeing friends or family
- Your partner is very jealous of anyone else in your life
- Threats
- Your partner threatens your family, friends, pets, or property
- Economic Abuse
- Your control over money or income is threatened
- Physical Abuse
- Pushing, slapping, kicking, biting, restraining, use of weapon against your, or having things thrown at you
- Sexual Abuse
- You are forced to have sex or your partner refuses to practice birth control
- Property Destruction
- Smashing, destroying, stealing, or damaging things you value
Truths About Abuse
- No one deserves abuse
- Domestic violence is not mutual – it is not just an argument or a lover’s quarrel.
- People who stay in abusive relationships do not enjoy violence – leaving is not simple, some people are too frightened while others hope the abuse will stop.
- Abuse can be found in all parts of the community – people from any social group can be abused.
- There is no excuse for violent behavior – violence is a choice, the abusive person is responsible for their actions.
If You are a Victim or a Survivor of Abuse
You are not to blame for another person’s violence.
You have the right to a safe, healthy relationship.
You deserve to be treated with respect.
Make a safety plan in case you need to leave quickly.
Establish contacts with friends/family to go to in an emergency.
Consider getting a protective order to protect yourself.
Abuse and Pregnancy
For 1 of every 3 women who are abused, the first abuse happens during pregnancy
An unhealthy relationship is not just physically hurtful. All abuses are dangerous to your well being and the well being of your unborn child.
Being abused before or during your pregnancy increases your risk of miscarriage, anemia, infections, bleeding during the first two trimesters, and having a low birth weight baby.
Reach Out for Support
- You are not alone. Support and help are here.
- Call the Safe Place 24 hour help line: 512-267-7233
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-700-7233
- Austin Police Department Victim Services: 512-974-5037
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: 1-800-252-5400
- United Way Capitol Area: 211.
- Dial 911 in an emergency.
This brochure is based on information provided by Safe Place.