I am excited to share with you our mission, vision, and the transformative work we do to support survivors. Through our online education ​programs and workshops, we aim to provide the resources and guidance needed for survivors to regain control over their lives and thrive in a ​future free from violence. Thank you for being here and for supporting our mission to create a world where everyone can live safely and ​without fear.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Definition of Domestic Violence:

Domestic violence encompasses a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and ​control over another partner in an intimate relationship. It's not solely limited to physical violence but ​also includes emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. This form of violence can occur ​within any relationship, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or socioeconomic status.

Different Forms of Domestic Violence:

• Physical Abuse: This includes hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, or any form of physical harm. ​It also involves the use of weapons or objects to inflict pain or injury.
  
• Emotional Abuse: This form of abuse involves behaviors aimed at undermining an individual's ​self-esteem, confidence, and mental well-being. It may include constant criticism, humiliation, ​intimidation, and threats.
  
• Psychological Abuse: Psychological abuse is characterized by manipulation, gaslighting, and ​controlling behaviors aimed at exerting dominance and control over the victim's thoughts and ​actions.
  
• Financial Abuse: Financial abuse involves controlling or restricting access to financial resources, ​such as withholding money, preventing employment or education opportunities, or sabotaging ​financial independence.
  
• Sexual Abuse: This form of abuse includes any unwanted sexual activity or coercion within an ​intimate relationship. It can range from forced sexual acts to verbal harassment and sexual ​manipulation.
  

Common Myths and Misconceptions:

• It Only Involves Physical Violence: Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse; it ​encompasses various forms of control and manipulation, including emotional, psychological, and ​financial abuse.
  
• It Only Happens to Women: While women are disproportionately affected by domestic ​violence, men can also be victims. Domestic violence affects individuals of all genders, sexual ​orientations, and backgrounds.
  
• Victims Can Easily Leave: Leaving an abusive relationship is often complex and dangerous. ​Factors such as financial dependence, fear of retaliation, and emotional attachment can make it ​challenging for victims to leave.
  
• It's a Private Matter: Domestic violence is a societal issue that affects entire communities. ​Ignoring or minimizing it as a private matter perpetuates the cycle of abuse and prevents victims ​from seeking help.
  
• It Only Occurs in Poor or Uneducated Families: Domestic violence cuts across all ​socioeconomic backgrounds. It's not determined by wealth, education, or social status.
  

Prevalence and Impact: Domestic violence is alarmingly prevalent worldwide, with millions of ​individuals experiencing it each year. Its impact extends beyond the immediate victim to children, ​families, and communities. Victims may suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial ​instability, and long-term psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress ​disorder (PTSD). Additionally, domestic violence contributes to a range of social issues, including ​homelessness, substance abuse, and inter-generational cycles of violence. Addressing domestic ​violence requires a multifaceted approach involving education, prevention, legal protections, and ​support services for survivors.