Everyone gets angry from time to time. Anger and arguments are normal parts of healthy relationships. But anger that leads to threatening, hitting, or hurting someone is not normal or healthy. It's a form of abuse. Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse is not okay in any relationship. When it occurs between spouses or partners or in a dating relationship, it is called intimate partner violence. This is a type of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is also called domestic violence. It isn't the same as having an argument now and then. It is a pattern of abuse that one person may use to control another.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, at any age. It doesn't matter what race, religion, or gender people are, what their level of education is, or how much money they make. It's a common problem in the United States.
Does someone in your life:
If any of these things are happening, you need to get help. It's important to know that you are not alone and the abuse isn't your fault. There is no excuse for domestic abuse or violence. There are resources available that can help keep you safe.
Living in an abusive relationship can cause long-term health problems. These include:
People who are sexually abused by their partners have a higher chance of having sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, and other problems.
Abuse can happen more often and get worse during pregnancy. People who are abused are more likely to have problems such as low weight gain, anemia, infections, and bleeding during pregnancy. Abuse during this time may increase the baby's risk of low birth weight, premature birth, or death.
Abusers often blame the victim for the abuse. They may say "you made me do it." This is not true. People are responsible for their own actions. They may say they're sorry and tell you it will never happen again, even though it already has.
If you are in an abusive relationship, ask for help. This may be hard, but know that you aren't alone. Ask family and friends for help and support. Your doctor, a counselor, your employer, or a faith leader can help you connect with resources for people experiencing abuse. National hotlines can also help you find resources in your area.
Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:
You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.
Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abuse in which one person uses fear and intimidation to gain power and control over a partner or family member. It may involve physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, such as:
Sexual abuse is any type of sexual activity that is done against your will. It can be:
If you have just been sexually abused or assaulted, try to preserve any evidence of the attack.
Physical abuse may include:
Neglect is a form of abuse. It happens when caregivers do not protect the health and well-being of the person they are supposed to take care of.
Two common types of neglect are:
Based on your answers, you may need help right away.
Call your local hospital, clinic, or police department, or call an abuse hotline.
You may also call 911.
Based on your answers, you need emergency care.
Call 911 or other emergency services now.
Sometimes people don't want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.
Based on your answers, you may need help soon.
Call your local YMCA, YWCA, hospital, clinic, or police department, or call an abuse hotline.
You may also call 911.
If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number. Be careful online, too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal computer or device to read about this topic. Use a safe computer, such as one at work, a friend's home, or a library.
If you are in an abusive relationship, it's very important to make a plan for dealing with a threatening situation. And if your partner has threatened to harm you or your child, seek help.
If you are in an abusive relationship, ask for help. This may be hard, but know that you aren't alone. Help is available.
If you no longer live with your abuser, contact the police to get a protective order (restraining order) if your abuser continues to harass or pursue you, threaten you, or act violently toward you.
If you've been a victim of abuse and still have problems related to the abuse, you may be affected by depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can be treated. Talk to your doctor about getting help.
Here are some things you can do to help a friend or family member who is in an abusive relationship:
The most important step is to help your friend contact local domestic violence groups. There are local programs across the country that provide options for safety, support, needed information and services, and legal support. To find the nearest program, call:
Be careful giving your friend written information. It may not be safe for them to take it home. See if you can keep it for them. Your friend should be careful online too. Their online activity may be seen by others. They shouldn't use their personal computer or device to search for these programs. Offer to let your friend use your computer or device. Or they could use a safe computer at work or a library.
Call a doctor if problems from violence or abuse occur more often or are more severe.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author:
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit
© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see
All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.