What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is an abusive pattern of power and control. One person systematically controls the other-through intimidation, threats, insults, emotional or sexual abuse, economic control, isolation or physical violence.
We serve survivors of abuse of all genders and sexual orientations. Domestic violence happens between partners in all kinds of relationships-husbands and wives, dating partners, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, or trans partners, elderly parents and their adult children. Anyone can be a victim. The vast majority of those who experience abuse are women and 95% of heterosexual spousal assaults are committed by men.
Domestic Violence: A 3-Phase Cycle
Tension: The abuser’s tension increases and victims often feels like they are “walking on eggshells”
Explosion: Physical, sexual or verbal abuse or violent threats occur
“I’ll Get You Back”: The abuser may express regret, promise to change, give gifts, make romantic gestures, blame the victim for what happened, or deny that the abuse happened all together
As the cycle continues, incidents tend to become more frequent and more severe.
Studies show that 20 to 30% of Jewish families in the U.S. and Israel experience domestic violence.