Need help?
Call (24/7): 412.687.8005
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Text: 412.744.8445
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Chat: WCSCanHelp.org
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Need help? Call (24/7): 412.687.8005 - Text: 412.744.8445 - Chat: WCSCanHelp.org -
What Is Domestic Violence?
Living Under the
Threat of a Partner
Domestic violence, also called “intimate partner violence” or “domestic abuse,” is intentional intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, or other abusive actions that are part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. Domestic violence is not always physical.
This can include any behaviors that are intended to intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, or injure someone. Such incidents are rarely isolated, and they can escalate in frequency and severity. Domestic violence may result in serious physical injury or death.
FAQs
Who experiences domestic violence?
There is no “typical” survivor of DV. Even though nearly 25% of all women have experienced some form of physical violence by a partner, 1 out of 7 men have also experienced the same kinds of severe abuse. More than half (54%) of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals have experienced some form of intimate partner violence. While domestic violence impacts the lives of people from all backgrounds, society does not treat all victims of abuse equally.
Is all DV physical?
Domestic violence is the use of power and control within a relationship and includes multiple types of abuse that may include physical abuse, but not always. Some other types of abuse include verbal, psychological, spiritual, financial, sexual, academic, or technological. A person may use more than one type of abuse toward their partner and this list is not all-encompassing.
What resources are available?
Those experiencing DV have options available to them. They can call WC&S’ 24-hour hotline (412.687.8005), text one of our DV staff members (412.744.8445), or use the chat feature on our website. Other resources throughout PA include Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate (Hotline 1.800.563.6399).
For those outside PA, there’s the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1.800.799.7233).
Bright Sky US is a free app and website that’s available nationwide for those who are concerned about the safety of their relationship — their own or someone else’s.
What do I do if I’m experiencing abuse?
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of abuse, you can call WC&S for help or more information about domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. Please contact our free and confidential Hotline. You can also download the Bright Sky app or visit the website to learn more or be connected to other resources.
What’s a “safety plan”
and how can I make one
to leave?
A safety plan is a list of actions, specific to you and your life, that can help you lower the risk of being hurt by your partner, whether physically, emotionally, financially, or through any other form of abuse.
For more information about safety planning, visit the WC&S website.
How can I help someone else?
When someone confides in you that they're experiencing domestic abuse, it's important that you listen and believe them. Supporting survivors can feel intimidating but often what they need most is a safe person to talk to. You can always connect them with WC&S when they’re ready to get help.
What resources are available for teens?
Love is Respect | 1-866-331-9474 | loveisrespect.org
National resource for teens and young adults that aims to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence through education, support, and resources.
Asking for a Friend | askingforafriend.org
Provides young people with judgment-free, reliable information on relationships, sex, and health. It offers expert advice, answers to common questions, and resources to help navigate personal and social challenges.