What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse (or a combination of ) that occurs between intimate partners. People who can be victims of domestic violence include those who are married, living together, dating, co-parenting, divorced, divorcing, separated, or those who have dated once but have broken up. The crime of domestic violence occurs when one partner is forced to do what their abuser wants through verbal, physical, psychological, or sexual violence. The patterns of abuse do not usually begin with an act of physical violence. Psychological abuse, including isolation, minimization of decision-making abilities, and obsessive jealousy, are usually initiated first. Abuse or battering is a system of behaviors to control another person’s actions and feelings. Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior. An abuser is not out of control, they have chosen behaviors that are designed to control their victim.
Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs
2020 East Superior Street
Duluth, Minnesota 55802
218-722-2781
www.theduluthmodel.org
Dating Safety Plan
- Consider double-dating the first few times you go out with a new person.
- Before leaving on a date, know the exact plans for the evening and make sure a parent or friend knows these plans and what time to expect you home. Let your date know that you are expected to call or tell that person when you get in.
- Be aware of your decreased ability to react under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- If you leave a party with someone you do not know well, make sure you tell another person you are leaving and with whom. Ask a friend to call and make sure you arrived home safely.
- Assert yourself when necessary. Be firm and straightforward in your relationships.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation makes you uncomfortable, try to be calm and think of a way to remove yourself from the situation.
About Abuse & how to help others
Root Cause of Gender Violence
Domestic violence and sexual assault are societal problems with tragic personal consequences. Gender-based violence is fundamentally about power and control, often men abusing the women and children in their lives. Safety from abuse requires support. Finding safety is more challenging for people who also experience racism, homophobia, historical trauma, or discrimination. We cannot end gender-based violence without uplifting diverse voices and working to change these systems of oppression.
Safety & Stability
Every survivor deserves an advocate and a support network. SAFE provides a range of services for people who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. We offer a crisis line, a gender-inclusive emergency shelter, advocates, legal assistance, support groups, healthy relationship classes, and transitional housing. We have a 24/7 rapid response team to meet people at the hospital. We support people who have experienced violence in moving toward stronger, safer relationships - whatever that looks like for them. Our services are free and confidential, and everyone who contacts SAFE chooses the services that are right for them.
