|
Domestic Violence The Extent of the Problem and Who is Affected The US Department of Justice estimates that one in three American women will experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lifetime. In Massachusetts, it is estimated that more than 43,000 children have witnessed or been the victims of domestic abuse, and of these children, 65% are under the age of 8. In 1996, the Governor's Commission on Domestic Violence Children's Working Group reported that from 60% to 75% of children living in families where there is domestic violence have been abused themselves. Domestic Violence affects people in every community the world over, regardless of: age, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, education, or socio-economic status. What is Domestic Violence? Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive and coercive behaviors in which an individual tries to control the thoughts, beliefs, or actions of an intimate partner (or person with whom s/he has significant relationship). It can include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following forms of abuse: physical, sexual, verbal, psychological/ emotional, and financial. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health defines domestic violence as: "Behavior which physically harms, arouses fear, or prevents a victim from doing what he/she wishes. It is the intent of the abusive behavior to undermine the will of the victim and to substitute the will of the perpetrator for the will of the victim. Perpetrators batter victims to achieve and maintain power over their victims." Abuse in an intimate relationship tends to get worse over time. It is an extremely serious problem, which can escalate to the point of serious injury and even murder. If you or someone you know is being abused, please seek assistance! You are not alone. Call our 24-hour hotline for help: 617-661-7203 Warning Signs of Domestic and Dating Violence Do you think you, your friend, family member, or co-worker may be in a violent relationship, but you're not sure? Does the abusive partner...
Does your friend, co-worker, or family member...
Domestic Violence Internet Links Statewide Domestic Violence Information and Programs
Teen Dating Violence Dating Violence Intervention Program Program Director: Julie Kahn, LICSW DVIP History Established in 1986, as the first program of its kind to introduce the issues of domestic and dating violence to youth in Massachusetts's schools, the Dating Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) has become one of the most successful violence prevention programs in greater Boston. The DVIP continues to provide an extensive curriculum-based program for the prevention and intervention of relationship violence among adolescents. The program also includes individual clinical counseling that provides young people with concrete tools to help them break the cycle of teen domestic violence and reduce its long-term harms. DVIP Information for Providers DVIP Information for Teens and Youth
|