domestic violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another partner. 

Who Experiences DV? 

Anyone can experience domestic violence. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

What are the Statistics?

  • Nearly every 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States will face physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
  • More than 16 million people in the U.S. suffer from intimate partner abuse per year.
  • Every minute, 32 people experience intimate partner violence in the U.S.

Statistics provided by breakthecycle.org/domestic-violence-statistics/ 

Why Won’t They Leave? 

Domestic violence is an ongoing cycle of power and control. Unfortunately there are a lot of factors that increase fear in an individual. 

On average, a victim of abuse makes around seven attempts to leave before successfully leaving.

What Can We Do? 

Listen; it’s important to listen to a person who is experiencing domestic violence in a nonjudgmental way. 

Believe their experiences.

Support them by educating yourself and providing resources to help their situation.


teen dating violence

What is Teen Dating Violence?

Teen Dating Violence, also called “dating violence,” is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. 

Teen Dating Violence Overview

Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-term and long-term effects on a developing teen. 

Facts About Teen Dating Violence

  • About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence. 
  • About 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence. 
  • 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. 

Teen Dating Violence Power and Control Wheel 

Click here to view full image 

Call to Action

The Purple Door, formerly Women’s Shelter of South Texas is a non-profit organization committed to serving individuals affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault, regardless of when the violence occurred. The Purple Door offers support and empowerment to women, children, and men through a variety of services, programs, and referrals with the goal of assisting survivors in regaining their independence.

5 ways to help a friend

Listen More, Speak Less.

Encouraging but not forcing the survivor to disclose information about their relationship. Show that you are present and open to listening.

Believe and Validate Feelings.

Believe your friends and family’s accounts of the abuse, even if it may seem difficult to understand.
What to say? “I believe you; your feelings are valid.”

Know Your Limits.

It’s natural to feel frustrated, worried, or overwhelmed when supporting someone in an abusive relationship. It’s okay to seek help if needed.
What to do? Reach out to a domestic violence hotline for advice on how to support your friend or family member.

Offer Resources.

Once you recognize that someone is experiencing domestic violence, you can refer them to our services. Encourage them to develop a safety plan, providing them with information of the signs of abuse, how to file restraining orders, and more.

Respect Their Decisions and Timing.

It’s essential to respect the survivor’s decision and timing, even if you wish they would leave the abusive relationship. Leaving an abusive relationship is often complex and a dangerous process. Support them by acknowledging their feelings.