EXIT SITE

Resources

Definition of Domestic Violence

  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, hair pulling, etc. are types of physical abuse. This type of abuse also includes denying a partner medical care or forcing alcohol and/or drug use upon him or her.
  • Sexual Abuse: Coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior without consent. Sexual abuse includes, but is certainly not limited to, marital rape, attacks on sexual parts of the body, forcing sex after physical violence has occurred, or treating one in a sexually demeaning manner.
  • Emotional Abuse: Undermining an individual’s sense of self-worth and/or self-esteem is abusive. This may include, but is not limited to constant criticism, diminishing one’s abilities, name-calling, or damaging one’s relationship with his or her children.
  • Economic Abuse: Controlling or restraining a person’s ability to acquire, use, or maintain economic resources to which they are entitled. This includes using coercion, fraud, or manipulation to restrict a person’s access to money, assets, credit, or financial information; unfairly using a person’s personal economic resources, including money, assets, and credit, or exerting undue influence over a person’s financial and economic behavior or decisions, including forcing default on joint or other financial obligations, exploiting powers of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship, or failing or neglecting to act in the best interests of a person to whom one has a fiduciary duty.
  • Psychological Abuse: Elements of psychological abuse include – but are not limited to – causing fear by intimidation; threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, or partner’s family or friends; destruction of pets and property; and forcing isolation from family, friends, or school and/or work.
  • Technological Abuse: An act or pattern of behavior that is intended to harm, threaten, control, stalk, harass, impersonate, exploit, extort, or monitor another person that occurs using any form of technology, including but not limited to: internet enabled devices, online spaces and platforms, computers, mobile devices, cameras and imaging programs, apps, location tracking devices, or communication technologies, or any other emerging technologies.
All definitions are from: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence

The Duluth Power and Control Wheel has been long used as a tool to help individuals better understand the tools abusers use against their victims. These tools stem from a common core- the need for the abuser to oppress by using power and control over their victim.

Helpful Links

The Women of Color Network is a national grassroots initiative responding to violence against women and families in communities of color. We are a place where Women of Color in grassroots and mainstream programs can connect across geographic, social, political and professional boundaries.

CLICK HERE

2nd Chance proudly serves the LGBTQIA+ community and recognizes that some may need additional resources. Click the link for helpful information for LGBTQIA+ survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

CLICK HERE

Although 2nd Chance provides services for victim/survivors of all genders, we know that is can be extremely difficult for male identifying persons to find help after abuse. Male Survivor offers a variety of services that may be beneficial. Click the image for more information.

CLICK HERE

Abuse in later life is a serious matter. 2nd Chance offers a variety of services for elders.

CLICK HERE

Being afraid to leave a pet in an abusive situation can be a barrier for many people when they are considering entering shelter. Shelby Safe Pet is a statewide program partnered with Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence programs helping owners with short term fostering, boarding, vetting, and other services. Visit the site or email safepet@shelbyhumane.org for more details.

CLICK HERE

Hotlines

National Domestic
Violence Hotline

800-799-SAFE (7233)
800-787-3224 (TTY)
Advocates are also available to chat 24/7

SAFETY ALERT

Abusers often check to see what sites you have visited.
We recommend that you use a computer that your abuser does not know about, such as at a public library or a trusted friend or family member’s home.
There is always a computer trail, but you can leave this site quickly by pressing the Exit Site at the bottom of  all pages of this site.