Domestic violence is often mistaken as someone losing their temper or mutual fighting in a relationship. Domestic violence is not about getting angry or arguing - but it is about power and control. It is a pattern of harmful behavior by one person intended to control another person within a romantic, intimate or family/household member relationship. People who experience domestic violence can be married or not married; heterosexual, gay or lesbian; living together, separated or dating; or relatives. Men, women and children of all ages, races and classes can be victims. Without intervention, domestic violence can get worse, and could end in death.

Regardless of what type of domestic violence you are experiencing, it is not your fault. Help is available.