What is Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behaviors that seeks to exert power and control over the victim. This can include physical violence, emotional degradation, financial dependency, manipulation of children, sexual coercion, isolation from friends and family and many other facets of abuse. House of Hope seeks to combat the many layers of abuse by providing victims and their children with safe housing, empowering advocacy, support groups, assistance navigating the justice or healthcare systems and help accessing resources. Female victims and their children are provided with safe housing through the emergency shelter or transportation to a safe shelter in the event the house is at capacity. Male victims and their children are provided with safe housing through motel placement or transportation to a safe shelter for men.

Tactics may include physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, isolation, coercion, and intimidation. Over time, domestic violence results in a significant gap in power and personal freedom between an abusive partner and a victim or survivor. Abuse impacts every aspect of a relationship and of a survivor’s life including mental and physical health, friend and family relationships, parenting, and financial status.

It also has long-lasting effects on the family and community.

Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, or other factors.

One in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.

Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, domestic violence is the third leading cause of homelessness among families.

Survivors of domestic violence face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional distress.

Domestic violence contributes to poor health for many survivors.  For example, chronic conditions like heart disease or gastrointestinal disorders can become more serious due to domestic violence.  

Among women brought to emergency rooms due to domestic violence, most were socially isolated and had fewer social and financial resources than other women not injured because of domestic violence.

Without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults.

Without help, boys who witness domestic violence are far more likely to become abusers of their partners and/or children as adults, thus continuing the cycle of violence in the next generation.

Domestic violence costs more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies.