“Domestic violence” means an act or a threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. “Intimate relationship” means a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child, regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time. C.R.S. 18-6-800.3
The goal of domestic violence is to establish and maintain power and control. All socioeconomic groups, education, and income levels, race, religious, and ethnic groups are affected by domestic violence. Statistics also show that 50 percent of men who abuse their partner, also abuse the children in the relationship.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to females between the ages of 18 and 44, with 95 percent of reported cases of domestic violence involving a male batterer and female victim, although men can be and are victims, too.
Types of Abuse
- Physical: slapping, pushing, hitting, kicking, biting, etc.
- Emotional: name-calling, putting down, insults, etc.
- Sexual: being forced into sexual contact
- Threats: “if you ___, I’ll kill you!”
- Intimidation: gestures, looks, smashing things, etc.
- Isolation: being kept from seeing or talking to others, not allowed to go out, etc.
- Economic: being given an allowance, not allowed to have a job, etc.
All can be used to maintain power and control over the victim.
Although public awareness about domestic violence has increased dramatically over the past decade, it continues to be under reported and misunderstood. For more information and to reach our crisis hotline, give us a call at 970-565-2100.
Montezuma and Dolores County, Colorado
