Understanding Domestic Violence and Support Options
Domestic violence refers to a pattern of harmful behaviors used by one person to maintain power and control over another within the context of a dating, family or household relationship. The types of harm that occur in relationships are not always physical; they can also be emotional, psychological, verbal, financial, economic, social, reproductive, institutional, and health-based.
Domestic violence is maintained by societal and cultural attitudes, institutions, and laws which are not consistent in naming this violence as wrong. Scroll through this page learn how The Network uses terminology and defines aspects of abuse.
HOW IT HAPPENS
Abuse & Violence Can
Show Up In These Ways
KNOW THE SIGNS
If you suspect a friend, coworker, or loved one is being abused, look out for these signs:
Unexplained injuries, bruising, or other pains
Wearing unseasonable clothing—like long sleeves in the summer
Appearing withdrawn or not as social as they used to be
Acting fearful around their partner
Being quiet and letting their partner answer questions or speak for them
Symptoms of depression or trauma, including exhaustion, confusion, isolation, and panic
Blaming themselves for their partner’s anger or dissatisfaction
Minimizing or denying arguing, fighting, or abuse within the household
Ignoring their own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs
Frequent visits to the doctor or hospital for unexplained or odd reasons
Missing work or social obligations more often than usual
Unexplained injuries, bruising, or other pains
Wearing unseasonable clothing—like long sleeves in the summer
Appearing withdrawn or not as social as they used to be
Acting fearful around their partner
Being quiet and letting their partner answer questions or speak for them
Symptoms of depression or trauma, like panic, confusion, isolation, and exhaustion
Blaming themselves for their partner’s anger or dissatisfaction
Minimizing or denying arguing, fighting, or abuse within the household
Ignoring their own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs
Frequent visits to the doctor or hospital for unexplained or odd reasons
Missing work or social obligations more often than usual
HOW TO HELP
Listen to them.
You may be the first person your friend, coworker, or loved one has told about the abuse. Validate their feelings by letting them know you believe them, you’re sorry this happened to them, and you are here to listen and support them.
Create a safe space.
Let them know you are a safe person to talk to. Validate them and let them share as they feel comfortable. Don’t press for details. Thank them for trusting you
Share resources.
Connect them to resources that can help, and let them decide whom to contact, if they want to contact anyone, and when to do it. Taking the first (or second or third) step to get help is hard, and can often put victims of abuse at greater risk.
HOW TO HELP
Listen to them.
You may be the first person your friend, coworker, or loved one has told about the abuse. Validate their feelings by letting them know you believe them, you’re sorry this happened to them, and you are here to listen and support them.
Create a safe space.
Let them know you are a safe person to talk to. Validate them and let them share as they feel comfortable. Don’t press for details. Thank them for trusting you
Share resources.
Connect them to resources that can help, and let them decide whom to contact, if they want to contact anyone, and when to do it. Taking the first (or second or third) step to get help is hard, and can often put victims of abuse at greater risk.
CALL OR TEXT
877-863-6338 (877-TO END DV) or click the button below to reach the Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
SURVIVOR FUND
The Network has a fund for survivors of domestic violence to address critical gaps in the safety net for survivors.
More information about the Survivor Fund and how to access funds are available below.
SURVIVOR FUND
AND ADDRESS IT
The Network has a fund for survivors of domestic violence to address critical gaps in the safety net for survivors.
More information about the Survivor Fund and how to access funds are available below.
SURVIVOR FUND
AND ADDRESS IT
The Network has an emergency crisis fund for survivors of domestic violence to address critical gaps in the safety net for survivors.
More information about the Survivor Crisis Fund and how to access funds are available below.
