domestic violence
what is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one individual intended to exert power and control over another individual in the context of an intimate or family relationship.
what services does the YWCA provide to domestic violence victims?
The YWCA Domestic Violence Program offers free comprehensive crisis services for victims of domestic abuse and their families. The YWCA Domestic Violence Program serves women, men, and children in the Greater Richmond area. There is no cost to participate in the program.
The YWCA Domestic Violence Program provides the following services:
- Individual and group counseling
- Access to a 24-Hour hotline
- Emergency shelter, if needed
- Safety planning
- Employment and Legal assistance
- Referrals to other services, as needed
YWCA staff persons facilitate domestic violence support groups and individual counseling at our downtown location and confidential locations throughout the community.
how do I recognize domestic violence?
Your partner...
- Acts very controlling
- Insults you, makes fun of you, or puts you down in front of other people
- Loses his temper by throwing, striking, or breaking objects
- Acts extremely jealous of others who pay attention to you, especially males
- Controls your finances
- Influences who you see socially
- Blocks doors or grabs you to prevent you from leaving
You or your friend...
- Becomes quiet when her partner is around and seems afraid of making him upset
- Stops seeing her friends and family members and becomes more and more isolated
- Has unexplained injuries, or the explanations she offers don't add up (Sometimes you will not see any bruises, as batterers target their abuse to areas that can be covered with clothing.)
- Casually mentioned her partner's violent behavior but dismissed what happened as not "a big deal"
- Often cancels her plans at the last minute
- Her partner controls her finances, her behavior and even whom she sees socially
- Her child is frequently upset or very quiet and withdrawn and will not say anything
what should I do during an attack?
- Call the police as soon as your partner becomes abusive - dial 911. Tell the person who answers the phone that you are being beaten and that you need immediate help. Give them your name and address.
- Try not to let the batterer trap you in the kitchen (too many potential weapons) or the bathroom (too many hard surfaces).
- Do not threaten him with a weapon - it can easily be turned against you.
- Try to proceed with your escape plan.
what is a safety plan?
A safety plan can help you cope with the emotional, physical and financial demands of leaving an abusive partner. Even if you feel that your partner will never be abusive to you again, it's important to be prepared. Having a safety plan will ensure that you and your children will be as safe as possible and have everything that you need, in the event that you need to flee. You can learn more about safety planning here on our website, or call us at 804-643-0888.
domestic violence statistics
- During the 2008 fiscal year, the YWCA of Richmond provided 9,502 nights of shelter to 225 women and children.
- Each year 1.5 million women are raped or physically assaulted by an intimate partner. (U.S. Department of Justice, 2000)
- In 2004, about 1 in 250 households included a member victimized by an intimate partner, such as a spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2004)
- Intimate partner violence results in nearly 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths nationwide every year. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003)
- 50 to 70 percent of men who abuse women also abuse children. (National Coalition of Domestic Violence, 1999)
- Children exposed to domestic violence at home have a significant risk of ever-increasing harm to their physical, emotional and social development and they tend not to do as well in school. (UNICEF and The Body Shop, 2006)
