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Domestic
violence is any attempt to maintain power and control
over an intimate partner that instills fear in the
victim. The use or threat of physical, emotional or
sexual abuse is an issue of power and control for the
abuser. Believing it is his right to control the victim
through any means necessary, abusers often are unable
to see any real harm in their violent behavior.
Domestic violence is the most common cause of injury
to women in our society—exceeding the number
of injuries from auto accidents, muggings and rapes
combined. In Maine, where domestic violence is the
leading cause of homicide, an estimated 60,000 women
are abused annually, with as many as 8,500 of these
women living in York County.
Domestic violence happens in households of all ages,
races, sexual orientations, ethnic, religious, economic
and educational backgrounds. There is no group of
people that is not affected by domestic violence.
Domestic violence isolates the victim and robs her
of inner strength, self-worth and the ability to
make her own choices. She begins to believe she is
responsible for the abuse.
Domestic violence traumatizes children, destroying
their ability to feel safe in the world and causing
them to feel responsible for the abuse.
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