What is abuse

Abuse is a pattern of abusive behaviors from one person towards another, these behaviors are

intended to have power and control over the other person.  These abusive behaviors can be

emotional, psychological, verbal, physical, sexual and financial.  Victims of abuse can be children,

parents, elderly, spouse or an intimate partner. Victims and batterers can be of any age, sex, race,

culture, education, economic status, single or married, gay, lesbian or heterosexual.  

Although both men and women can be abused, most victims are women. Children in homes where

there is domestic violence are more likely to be abused and/or neglected. Most children in these

homes know about the violence. Even if a child is not physically harmed, they may have emotional

and behavior problems. They learn the behavior they see.