What is DVA?
What is DVA?
Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior, in any type of relationship, that is perpetrated by one person to maintain power and control over the other person.
Where does DVA happen?
Domestic Violence is found everywhere, regardless of education level, socio-economic status, age, race, sexual orientation and religion.
Major Forms of DVA
Actions and Examples
VERBAL ABUSE
ECONOMIC ABUSE
MENTAL ABUSE
PHYSICAL ABUSE
SEXUAL ABUSE
Pressuring sex or sexual acts without consent.
Examples: rape, coerced sex, treating someone in a sexually demeaning manner.
Causing physical harm or injury to a person.
Examples: hitting, slapping, pushing, pulling hair, choking and denying medical care access.
Exerting control by using emotion as a weapon causing anxiety, depression or fear.
Examples: threats, accusations, blame, criticizing, mind games and punishment.
Exerting control over money causing financial dependence.
Examples: controlling money, hiding assets, and preventing someone from getting a job.
Verbal bullying for the purpose of control.
Examples: criticizing, name-calling, threatening, discounting and ordering.