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What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is…

A pattern of controlling behavior by an abuser or perpetrator.

This controlling behavior is directed toward a person they’re in a trusting relationship with: such as a partner, spouse, ex-partner, co-parent, child, parent, immediate family member.

Domestic Violence includes elder abuse, child abuse, intimate partner violence, and dating violence.

The abuser’s behavior is controlling and isolating in order to maintain power and control.

The abuser’s life gets “bigger” while victim’s life gets “smaller”.

Do you or someone you know need help?

303-444-2424

hotline@safehousealliance.org

Legal Definition of Domestic Violence in Colorado

(1) “Domestic violence” means an act or threatened act of violence upon a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. “Domestic violence” also includes any other crime against a person, or against property, including an animal, or any municipal ordinance violation against a person, or against property, including an animal, when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation, or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.

(2) “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. (per C.R.S. Statute 18-6-800.3)

Other types of Violence

Emotional/Psychological

  • Gaslighting
  • Threatening
  • Abusing others
  • Displaying weapons
  • Threatening deportation
  • Threatening to out sexual orientation/gender identity
  • Stalking

Verbal

  • Yelling
  • Threatening
  • Degrading
  • Criticizing
  • Blaming
  • Putting you down often, especially in front of others
  • Reinforcing internalized oppression

Physical

  • Hitting
  • Kicking
  • Strangulation
  • Throwing
  • Damaging property
  • Withholding medication or adaptive devices

Sexual

  • Non-consensual sexual activity
  • Risky sexual behavior; refusing to use protection
  • Trafficking
  • Demanding pictures or videos

Technological

  • Stalking
  • Monitoring social media
  • Hacking or controlling personal devices / accounts
  • Withholding means of communication
  • Demanding passwords
  • Using tracking devices or apps
  • Checking phone, email, accounts without permission

Financial

  • Controlling / withholding finances
  • Employment-related abuse
  • Damaging credit intentionally, coerced debt
  • Shared assets in abuser’s name only
  • Prohibiting school