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RESOURCES
In addition to providing services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, we strive to address the broader culture that enables violence and abuse through education and outreach.
We encourage you to check out our upcoming events for opportunities to get involved and support our work. If you're part of a group that would like to learn more about domestic and sexual violence and prevention efforts, you can also get in touch with our outreach team to request a speaker.
The resources below highlight some of the major issues within the broader context of domestic and sexual violence. They’re a good place to start if you want to learn more about key issues affecting survivors, how you can support them, and where to look for additional resources.
Culture of Abuse
Abuse culture is woven into the fabric of our society and reinforces the idea that certain people are superior to others. Understanding how abuse culture enables sexism, objectification of women, and other types of prejudice helps us understand why predominantly women are subjected to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and violent behavior designed to establish and maintain power and control over one’s partner. Although it is not always easy to immediately recognize an abusive relationship, knowing some of the signs of domestic violence and the many forms of abuse can help save a life.
Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of harassing and controlling behavior that is devastating to a victim’s sense of self, safety, and peace. Although it’s often depicted as normal or innocuous in popular culture, stalking is very dangerous and is almost always present prior to a domestic violence homicide or familicide. While some stalking behaviors are obvious, others don't appear scary or threatening on the surface.
Sexual Assault
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual contact forced upon an individual and can include actions such as unwanted touching of genitals, groin, anus, breasts, voyeuristic behavior, exhibitionism, attempted rape, and rape. Sexual violence is never wanted and never includes consent. Most perpetrators are someone known to the victim and most rapes are planned.
Abuse Later in Life
Abuse in later life is the willful abuse, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation of an older adult age 50 or older perpetrated by someone in an ongoing, trust-based relationship with the victim. Learn more about the prevalence of abuse affecting older Americans and what to ask if you think you or someone you know is being harmed.
