Domestic violence is a serious public health issue.Ê The overwhelming majority of victims of domestic violence are women, though men may also be abused.Ê Incidences of domestic violence are generally underreported.Ê Domestic violence has a negative effect on every member of the family even if they are not the physical target of the abuse.Ê Family violence against the elderly is a form of domestic violence.Ê

The following is a general list of signs and symptoms to help you identify domestic violence.

Signs & Symptoms include:

• Physical Abuse

  • Hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, shoving and biting
  • Forced to engage in sex or sexual acts
  • Prevented access to family, friends
  • Having sudden outburst of anger or rage
• Verbal Abuse

  • Threatens to hurt partner and children
  • Threatens to hurt friends or family members
  • Insults the partner, uses derogatory racial or sexual names
• Violent Behavior

  • Destroys personal property
  • Abuses or threatens to abuse pets
  • Uses intimidation or manipulation to control partner or children
• Emotional Abuse

  • Controls all finances
  • Turns minor incidents into major arguments

For more information contact a social worker or the following resources:

Victim Services
2 Lafayette St.
New York, NYÊ 10007Ê
(212) 577-7777 (24 hour hotline)

National Domestic Violence/Abuse Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

For the number of local domestic violence resources nearest you, please call:

1-800-942-6906

Related Links:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.ndvh.org

Victim Services
www.victimservices.org

New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
www.avp.org

Violence Against Women
www.usdoj.gov/vawo

New York Police Department
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/index.html