Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence

24 hour hotline: 516-542-0404

Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence

24 hour hotline: 631-233-3626

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior. It is one person scaring another into doing what the abuser wants. Abusers use physical and sexual violence, threats money, emotional and psychological abuse to control their spouse or intimate partners and get their way. Many people don’t think of themselves as victims of domestic violence. However, if you answer yes to the following, you may want to consider removing your case from mediation.

• Have you ever been physically hurt or threatened by the other party?
• Have you been hit, kicked, slapped, pushed or shoved by the other party?
• Has the other party threatened you with a weapon?
• Have you ever been forced or pressured to have sex when you did not want to?
• Has the other party ever physically hurt or threatened to hurt your children?
• Has the other party ever threatened to kill your friends, family or pets?
• Are you afraid of the other party?

If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be the victim of Domestic violence. There are many confidential programs that offer counseling, shelter, support groups and safety planning. You can get the help you need by calling your local Domestic Violence hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.