When people hear the term “domestic violence,” they may only think of physical harm or a relationship issue between two partners. Domestic violence, however, is a pattern of manipulative and harmful actions that can be both physical and psychological. It can also happen to anyone regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ability, and relationship.
Domestic abuse is a widespread issue:
- 21-55% of Asian women in the U.S. reported having experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime (source, 2015).
- About one in ten Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse (source). Specifically, financial exploitation is the second most common form of abuse among Chinese older adults (source, 2017).
- Children exposed to domestic violence are impacted physically, mentally and emotionally (source, 2009).
Due to financial challenges, one’s immigration status, or cultural barriers to keep matters private and maintain honor in the family, it may be difficult for victims of domestic violence to acknowledge the abuse, speak up for themselves, or leave the relationship.
What Does An Abusive Relationship Look Like?
Domestic violence involves people whom we love, trust, or respect, such as intimate partners, family members, or caretakers, so it is not always easy to spot the red flags. For the health and safety of yourself or a loved one, it is important to recognize the forms of abuse and intervene when it is safe.
Domestic Abuse Can Take Many Forms
Adapted from NYC Hope
Actions that cause harm to a person’s body, restrict a person’s movement, or isolate an individual from their community.
|A person may experience physical abuse if they have been:
|Verbal and Emotional Abuse
Actions that cause harm and emotional trauma through name calling, insults, or release of private information.
|A person may experience verbal and emotional abuse if they have been:
Actions that use technology (internet, social media, handheld devices) to intimidate or cause harm.
|A person may experience digital abuse if:
Any sexual behavior, including touching and kissing, that takes place without the consent of the person involved.
|A person may experience sexual abuse if they have been:
Actions that use finances or employment to control an individual.
|A person may experience financial abuse if:
Actions that use religion, beliefs, or culture to control an individual.
|A person may experience spiritual abuse if:
The repetitive behavior of identifying a person’s location, and stirring fear in the individual.
|A person may experience stalking if:
Help is Available
A healthy relationship should feel safe, comfortable, and supportive—no one deserves to be mistreated. If you or someone you know have concerns about domestic abuse, please contact our Social Work Department: http://www.cbwchc.org/socialwork.asp. You can also call 311 and ask for the City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline, or visit our community resources page for language-appropriate hotlines in New York City.