Stop Domestic Violence

Did You Know ?

• During a recent year in nebraska, local domestic violence/sexual assault programs served 9,634 victims (primary and secondary) including 1,240 children

• Researchers have estimated that 3.3 to 10 million U.S. children annually witness assaults by one parent against the other

• More than a fourth of children involved in domestic violence were intentionally hurt by the abuser when the child tried to stop the violence or arguments

• Studies indicate that in 30-60 percent of families where domestic violence is present, there is also child abuse/neglect, and vice versa

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a learned behavior that establishes control and fear in a relationship and uses violence and other forms of abuse. Domestic violence can be learned from a variety of places in different ways. When domestic violence and child abuse or neglect occurs in a family, the result is an increase of control and fear over the victim(s).

Common abusive behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical violence
• Intimidation
• Threats
• Isolation
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Use of children as a weapon
• Using economic control

Domestic violence is NOT caused by:

• Genetics
• Illness
• Alcohol and drugs
• Anger
• Stress
• Behavior of victim or the dynamics of the relationship
  

How are Children Impacted by Domestic Violence?

Children who witness domestic violence, but are not the direct targets of the violence, often display symptoms whic are similar to victims of child abuse.

Emotional and behavioral signs may include:

• Guilt
• Shame
• Fear
• Aggressive behaviors
• Withdrawal

Physical signs may include:

• Eating or sleeping disorder
• Regressive behavior
• Headaches, stomach problems, asthma, finger biting, stuttering
  
• Unexplained bruises, inconsistent stories about injuries
  
• Mood related disorders such as depression
  

Who Can Help?

There are 22 local domestic violence/sexual assault programs offering services in every county in Nebraska. The program staff and volunteers:

• Provide a safe place for women to talk about issues
  
• Believe no one deserves to be abused and we all have the right to non-violent lives
  
• Believe that the abused woman is the expert on her life and choices, including how to be safe and keep her children safe
  
• Empower women to make choices based on safety and their needs
  

Services include:

• 24 hour crisis counseling
• Emergency shelter
• Transportation
• Medical advocacy and referrals
• Legal referrals and assistance with Protection Orders
  
• On-going support and information
• Education and prevention programs