What is DV?

Domestic violence can take many forms, and it isn’t always easy to recognize. Learning how abuse shows up is the first step toward understanding your experiences and finding the support you deserve.

Understanding Domestic Violence

At SafeHouse Denver, we define domestic violence and intimate partner violence as

"a pattern of abusive behaviors used with the intention to maintain power and control over a past or present partner."

Domestic and intimate partner violence can happen to anyone, and can involve physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological abuse, as well as intimidation, isolation, and threats.

This definition highlights several important factors:

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors.

While it is often portrayed as a single act, domestic violence consists of ongoing, repeated actions over time.

Any behavior can be used to maintain power and control.

Abuse isn’t limited to physical harm. Even seemingly harmless acts can carry an abusive intent. For instance, if an abusive partner sent flowers to a survivor’s workplace to reveal they knew a location that had been kept secret, this could be an act of control.

Domestic violence goes beyond current relationships.

The abuse doesn’t necessarily end when the relationship does. Abusive behaviors can persist long after a breakup.

The Different Forms of Abuse

DV and IPV patterns and behaviors can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse: Pushing, hitting, strangulation, or other forms of physical harm.

  • Emotional abuse: Name-calling, gaslighting, extreme jealousy, or manipulation.

  • Sexual abuse: Forcing sexual activity, violating sexual boundaries, or tampering with birth control.

  • Verbal abuse: Behavior that attempts to control someone by diminishing their sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth.

  • Economic abuse: Preventing someone from working, sabotaging their employment, or controlling financial resources.

  • Digital abuse: The use of technologies, such as texting and social networking, to harass, threaten, stalk, or intimidate a partner

  • Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress

  • Isolation: A control tactic that separates or secludes an individual from physical, emotional, or social support.

Who Does DV Affect?

Domestic violence crosses all races, cultures, religions, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic groups.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States—more than 12 million people each year. The effects of domestic violence are far-reaching. From households, schools, and neighborhoods to businesses and communities, its impact and costs are felt by all of us.

It’s reported that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced abuse by an intimate partner.

The effects of domestic violence are far-reaching. From schools and neighborhoods to businesses and communities, its impact and costs are felt by all of us.