What is Family Violence?
Family violence is the mistreatment of one family member by another to gain power and control. Mistreatment is usually not an isolated, explosive event or two. Mistreatment doesn't always show up as bruises or broken bones, and doesn't happen because a victim is too weak to resist. Mistreatment is, fear of a family member, either a partner, parent, or other relative. The mistreatment can take on different forms:
· Physical abuse: slapping, punching, choking, or throwing things.
· Emotional abuse: yelling, making insults, or threats.
· Sexual abuse: such as unwanted touching, incest, or rape.
· Neglect: withholding affection, money, food, health care, or other needed care.
Understanding family violence is the first step toward ending it.
