DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is understood to be a pattern of abusive behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion that adults and adolescents use against an intimate partner. It is characterized by one partner’s need to control the other, and the instrumental use of a range of tactics to secure and maintain that control. Domestic violence includes behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, often injure, and sometimes kill, a current or former intimate partner.

Types of Abuse

The types of domestic violence are:

  • Physical
  • Verbal or nonverbal (psychological, mental, or emotional)
  • Sexual abuse
  • Stalking
  • Economic abuse or financial abuse
  • Spiritual abuse

Why doesn’t she just leave? It’s the question many people ask when they learn that a woman is being battered and abused. But if you are in an abusive relationship, you know that it’s not that simple. Ending an important relationship is never easy. It’s even harder when you’ve been isolated from your family and friends, psychologically beaten down, financially controlled, and physically threatened.

If you’re trying to decide whether to stay or leave, you may be feeling confused, uncertain, frightened, and torn. One moment, you may desperately want to get away, and the next, you may want to hang on to the relationship. Maybe you even blame yourself for the abuse or feel weak and embarrassed because you’ve stuck around in spite of it. Don’t be trapped by confusion, guilt, or self-blame. The only thing that matters is your safety.

If you are being abused, remember:

  • You are not to blame for being battered or mistreated.
  • You are not the cause of your partner’s abusive behavior.
  • You deserve to be treated with respect.
  • You deserve a safe and happy life.
  • Your children deserve a safe and happy life.
  • You are not alone. There are people waiting to help.

If you need help:

If you need immediate emergency assistance, please call 911.

If it is not an emergency and you are in need of help please call The Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance during regular business hours at (541)592-2515.

Evening and weekend hours assistance is available from the following organizations:

Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance (24/7 Crisis Line): (541)415-9367

Klamath Crisis Center (24 hour crisis line, shelter and transitional housing) – 1.800.452.3669

Oasis Shelter Home (24 hour crisis line, shelter and transitional housing) – 1.800.447.1167

Women’s Crisis Support Team (24 hour crisis line and shelter) – 1.800.750.9278 or 1-541-479-9349

Portland Women’s Crisis Line (information about services throughout Oregon)  1.888.235.5333