Family violence is often referred to as domestic abuse or spousal abuse. It involves the controlling behavior of someone who is close to you and can include any intentional or reckless act that causes injury, property damage or intimidation to yourself or a family member. Examples of acts of domestic abuse can include:

• Physical abuse (Hitting, punching, kicking, strangulation and other forms of physical violence)

• Sexual Assault

• Forced Confinement

• Stalking and Harassment

• Threatens to harm you, other people or animals

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Many forms of domestic abuse are crimes. Research also shows that violence in the home may have harmful and lasting consequences on the well-being of children.