D–E

domestic violence Actions and behaviors that
use aggression, threats, and fear to control
another person in a household or partner relation-
ship such as a marriage or dating. Domestic VIO-
LENCEhas health as well as legal ramifications. In
the United States, state laws define the parameters
of behaviors that constitute domestic violence.

The National Domestic Violence Hot-

line—1-800-799-SAFE (7233)—is avail-

able tollfree, 24 hours a day, seven days

a week, from anywhere in the United

States.

Each year more than four million American
women seek medical care for injuries resulting
from domestic violence. However, either partner
may be the abuser. Domestic violence can exist in
any domestic partnership, including marriage,
nonmarried partners, same-sex partners, and dat-
ing. Surveys among American high school and
college students suggest violence among dating
couples, such as hitting and forced sex, is a serious
issue.
Signs and indications of domestic violence in a
partnership may be emotional, psychologic, physi-
cal, or a combination. Such signs may include

• behaves in a jealous and possessive manner


• attempts to isolate partner from family and
  friends or monitor visits and activities


• controls finances and other resources such as
  car keys


• constantly criticizes, uses name calling, and
  humiliates


• threatens or carries out physical harm to part-
  ner, children, friends, or pets
  
  
  • acts abusively or forcefully in sexual situations;
    demeans partner
  
  
  • persistently yells or argues; breaks items in the
    house
  
  
  
  

The priority in domestic violence is for the

abused person to get away from the situation,

which is often difficult. There are the emotional

ties of the relationship, however dysfunctional, as

well as the practical matters of resources and

where to go. Some people are able to go tem-

porarily to the homes of other family members or

friends, though sometimes others who know of

the violence are reluctant to become involved.

More often the circumstance is that the abused

person has told no one of the situation and is not

willing to do so until a crisis precipitates action.

Most communities have public and private agen-

cies and services to support people who are

leaving circumstances of domestic violence. Per-

manent solutions in circumstances of persistent or

severe domestic violence are difficult and often

require filing appropriate criminal charges against

the abuser as well as relocating and re-establishing

work and life.

See also ANGER AND ANGER MANAGEMENT; CHILD

ABUSE; ELDER ABUSE.

elder abuse Actions by caregivers and family

members that endanger the health, well-being,

and life of an older person. Many though not all

older people who are in situations of abuse are

weak or debilitated and depend on those who

abuse them, making escape from the abuse diffi-

cult or impossible. Elder abuse affects more than

two million older adults in the United States each

year. There are four basic types of elder abuse:

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