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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence or family violence is the abuse of power or control. It is behavior used by one person to control another through force or threats. A batterer makes a choice to strike, hit, kick, punch or threaten the victim.
Domestic violence includes physical and sexual attacks and threats. These violent acts are criminal and the batterer can be prosecuted for committing them. The acts are a means of controlling the victim's thoughts, feelings and behavior. The violence does not lessen over time. The threats and / or beatings generally happen more often with time, last longer and cause greater physical injuries.
Emotional abuse and insulting words are almost always part of the abuse pattern, but are not considered criminal acts. The wounds from these injuries, however, may be more difficult to heal.
Domestic violence is not caused by or provoked by the actions or inaction's of the victim. Domestic violence is not directly caused by alcohol or drug abuse, depression, lack of money, lack of a job, mental illness or abuse as a child. However, existing problems often create additional stress in a relationship and may increase the risk of violence. Many abusers blame the victim or other things for their violent acts and do not take responsibility for the abusive behavior. There is never an excuse for violence.
Do You Have a Controlling Partner?
Are you in a relationship in which your partner:
- Belittles you?
- Does not allow you access to money?
- Prevents you from seeing your friends or family?
- Is excessively jealous or makes irrational accusations against you?
- Threatens you?
- Hurts you?
Controlling behavior and even violence in your family may be common, but...
NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO CONTROL, FRIGHTEN, OR HURT YOU!
The Adams Police Department recommends the following:
Report an act of violence to the police. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
To report a past occurrence of violence call the Adams Police Department at (413) 743-1212.
Don't be afraid that you will be required to press charges. The police, by law, will make the decision to arrest or not arrest based on their investigation. The decision is not up to the victim. Do not be reluctant to call the police out of fear that your spouse will be arrested. Studies have shown that when the police arrest a suspect for domestic violence, the offender is less likely to batter the victim again.
Develop a safety plan and support network for assistance if needed. Help and resources are available to victims of domestic violence by contacting the Elizabeth Freeman Center 24 Hour Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline:
North Berkshire: 413-663-9709
Central Berkshire: 413-443-0089
South Berkshire: 413-528-2328
Police Contact:
The Adams Police Department
Sergeant David Clark
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