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Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in an intimate relationship where one partner tries to control and dominate the other. The behavior may be verbally, psychologically, physically or sexually abusive. Assaulting, threatening or stalking an intimate partner is a crime in the state of Connecticut.

In a domestic violence relationship, there are many types of abuse. It can be physical, emotional, economic , and/or sexual. Your partner or ex-partner might stalk and harass you. It’s important to know that all of these different types of abuse can be present in a relationship, or only a few can; they can take place constantly or only once in a while. However, all forms of abuse are always unacceptable.

There are many warning signs for domestic violence.  If you feel as though your partner may be controlloing your life, you may be experiencing abuse in your relationship.

Who are victims?

There is no one type of victim. A victim may be any of race, age, or religion and come from the poorest or the richest community in Connecticut.  If you are worried about yourself or someone you care about, help is available.

Who are abusers?

Like victims, domestic violence abusers come from all backgrounds. Abusers typically behave differently with others than they do with their partner.  Abusers do share some common behaviors in that they use similar tactics to gain power and control over their partners. Such tactics include restricting the movement of a victim, controlling a victim's interactions with friends and family, refusing to take responsibility for the abuse and humiliating the victim in public.