Domestic Violence occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partnerattempts to physically or psychologically dominate another. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating. The violence takes many forms and can happen all the time or once in a while and it is never your fault regardless of what they say. "Sorry" is just a word!

Examples of abuse include:

• name-calling or putdowns
• keeping a partner from contacting their family or friends
• not giving money
• stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job
• actual or threatened physical harm
• sexual abuse- unwanted or forced sexual activity
• stalking
• intimidation
• physical assault such as pushing, shoving, hitting

When this happens remember you are not alone and help is at hand. If you can't leave your house use the phone to contact help and support.