About Domestic Violence


What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is any of the following acts by a person that is not an act of self defense:

  • Causing or attempting to cause physical or mental harm to a family or household member.
  • Placing a family or household member in fear of physical or mental harm.
  • Causing or attempting to cause a family or household member to engage in involuntary sexual activity by force, threat of force or duress.
  • Engaging in activity toward a family or household member that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed or molested.

Source: Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention & Treatment Board

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline.

1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 1.800.787.3224 (TTY)
Anonymous & Confidential Help 24/7

View Brochures from the Michigan Department of Community Health pdf icon  or click on an individual brochure below. 

Domestic Violence Brochure Download

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 Dating Violence Brochure Image


Family or Household Member

  • Spouse or former Spouse
  • Dating Relationship
  • Sexual Relationship
  • Related to or Formerly Related to by Marriage
  • Have a Child or Children in Common
  • Minor Child of an Individual Listed Above

Statistics and Facts about Domestic Violence

  • Domestic violence affects 1 in 3 women

  • 95% of domestic violence victims are women

  • Women ages 16-24 are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence

  • Domestic violence cuts across all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and educational lines

  • Men can also be victims of domestic violence and sexual assault


Power & Control

Domestic violence is a pattern of learned behavior in which one person uses physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to control another person. Click here to read more about Power & Control.

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Warning Signs

  • Jealousy

  • Sudden or Extreme Emotional Attachment

  • Controlling Behavior

  • Blames Others for Problems/Feelings

  • Use of Force During Intimacy

  • Verbal Abuse

  • Isolation

  • Past Abuse

  • Threats of Violence

  • Breaking or Striking Objects


EVE's Services are empowerment-based, confidential and FREE!

If you are in immediate danger or in need of emergency assistance, please call 911. If you are seeking support, please call our 24 Hour Crisis Line (517) 372-5572. All Calls are confidential.

 

Warning Signs | Power & Control | LBGTIQ Survivors | Dating Violence