What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone (justice.gov).
The Power and Control Wheel, originally created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, MN serves as a diagram of behaviors and tactics that are used by someone to gain and maintain power and control in an abusive relationship.
Giving a South Asian context to this dynamic, Maitri created this wheel to represent the cultural nuances that are unique to our culture.
Are you a victim of abuse?
You are in an abusive relationship if your partner or anyone in your family:
Scares you by their looks, insulting or humiliating words, or anger
Embarrasses you, makes you feel worthless, stupid, or crazy
Controls what you do, who you see or talk to, or where you go
Prevents you from seeing or talking to friends or family
Takes your money, makes you ask for money, or refuses to give you money
Forces you to lie to the police or in court
Makes you feel guilty for their abusive behavior
Pushes you or hits you
Destroys your things
Hurts your children and pets or threatens to take them away
Threatens to hurt your family
Intimidates you with guns, knives, or other weapons
Threatens to kill you or commit suicide
Takes away your passport and visa, threatens to report you, or send you back
Forces you to engage in sex or sexual activities
If you experience any of the above behaviors or you are confused about abuse, talk to someone. Don’t be silent.
Call 1-888-8MAITRI [1-888-862-4874]
Your call will be confidential.