Understanding the problem of
domestic violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one individual intended to exert power
and control over another individual in the context of an intimate or family relationship.
pattern: Domestic violence involves more than intended to exert power and
one or even several isolated incidents of control: The pattern of behaviors is
violence. It involves an interrelated pattern that not a matter of coincidence or the
includes a wide variety of abusive behaviors result of a time-limited crisis. Rather,
and usually increases in frequency and it is an ongoing pattern in the
intensity over time. relationship whereby the abuser acts
to control the other person.
abusive behaviors: Abusive or coercive
behaviors may include, but are not limited to, intimate or family relationship: A
physical assaults, verbal assaults, threats, relationship between two adults
intimidation, use of weapons, destruction of intended to provide emotional and
property, violence toward other significant physical intimacy.
people or pets, sexual manipulation and control
over economic resources.
It is very important to recognize that domestic violence is not always physical. Verbal, emotional, and economic
abuse can have long-lasting effects, even if a victim is never physically or sexually assaulted.
Recent news in Virginia:
May 23, 2007: A Virginia man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for burning his girlfriend.
June 9, 2007: A 21-year-old woman was shot in the throat following a domestic dispute. She was
believed to be several months pregnant with the suspect’s baby. The suspect is still at large and the
Martinsville Police Department is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
July 9, 2007: A 28-year-old mother of three was fatally stabbed in Richmond by her boyfriend as a
result of a domestic dispute. The assailant turned himself in to the authorities the day after the crime.
All three children witnessed the murder.
July 11, 2007: A Richmond man pled guilty to kidnapping, stabbing, choking, and leaving his
girlfriend to die in a locked storage unit after she suggested breaking up. His girlfriend was able to
kick through a wall within the storage unit and escape through an adjoining one. The assailant faces
40 years in prison.
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Virginia Department of Social Services
Office of Family Violence 1-800-838-8238
7 North Eighth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219 [Link]
¹ Source: Virginia Sexual And Domestic Violence Action Alliance