Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive and abusive behavior in a familial relationship. This abuse is not about anger, although anger is often exhibited. It is about an abuser gaining power and control over their partner. While this definition encompasses abuse among family members, this LibGuide focuses on violence in intimate partners relationships.
Domestic Violence occurs among partners in intimate relationships but can also happen within families. Violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, spiritual and involve technology. This brief video defines domestic violence and explains the various ways in which partner abuse can be exhibited.
Anglicare Sydney. (2021, April 20). What is domestic abuse? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcLReGnM8n8
Domestic violence is a serious epidemic in the United States. These links outline recent statistics.
To search for statistics by state use the second link.
The Power and Control Wheel was created in the 1980s as part of the by The Duluth Model, a domestic violence treatment modality which originated in Duluth, MN. The wheel is a prominent tool in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention that depicts the eight tactics used by abusers to exert power and control over their partner. Each section of the spoke is explained below in brief, informative videos.
Power and Control (n.d.). The Duluth Model. https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/PowerandControl.pdf
The Equality Wheel is the antithesis of the Power and Control Wheel, also developed by The Duluth Model. It depicts healthy ways of relating in loving relationships.
Equality (n.d.). The Duluth Model. https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Equality.pdf
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Power and Control Wheel - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OrAdC6ySiY
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Physical and Sexual Violence - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@theduluthmodel2108/videos
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Intimidation - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAi9fswf5KQ
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Emotional Abuse - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO6BXV6Yxgo
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Isolation - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ECKkCUWDx7w
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Minimizing, Denying and Blaming - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAH2JmGIRQ0
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Using Children - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxOAqduCP4c
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Male Privilege - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b__hYzHg7kk
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Economic Abuse - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtL0w8rZbzc
The Duluth Model. (2016, May 2). Coercion and Threats - Understanding the Power and Control Wheel [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx02GEYkAIE
While it is never easy to predict whether your relationship will become abusive, there are some common early warning signs or red flags to consider in the link below.
Children who witness domestic violence often experience profound trauma, as exposure to such harmful family dynamics can have lasting emotional, psychological, and developmental consequences, impacting their overall well-being and future relationships. The links below detail the harmful ways domestic violence impacts children.