Domestic Violence
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors by one person in a relationship to maintain power and control over the other person. The abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or financial actions, or threats that coerce or influence the other person. Intimidation, isolation from friends/relatives, tracking the partner’s movements and activities, and controlling access to money, are some of the common behaviors that can occur. From teenagers to the elderly, in a new or longstanding relationship, straight or LGBTQ, people can experience domestic/dating violence. Our domestic violence services work to meet the safety, emotional, social, legal, and physical needs of victims.
In the U.S., nearly 20 people a minute experience domestic violence.
In South Dakota alone, intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
No One Deserves To Live in Violence
Safety Planning is the Key to making the safest exit from an abusive relationship.
An advocate can help you to plan for your safety in whatever you decide. However, you may want to go ahead and start making plans if you cannot safely reach an advocate. We have a recommended list HERE of what to prepare.