About Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of intentional violent or controlling behavior. It is used by one intimate/ dating partner against another to gain power and control over that person. Behaviors include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, emotional abuse, and financial abuse. Domestic violence can occur during and after the relationship. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary. The one constant is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control.

Did you know…

  • Domestic violence is an epidemic that impacts people in all communities. The impact spans gender, age, race, sexual orientation, economic status, religion, and more.
  • Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The physical, emotional, and mental impacts of domestic violence can span generations and last a lifetime.
  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
  • In North Carolina, 35.2% of women and 30.3% of men experience domestic violence and stalking in their lifetime.
  • Some people are at greater risk of experiencing domestic violence. This includes people who:
    • Identify as women
    • Live in communities with fewer resources
    • Experience societal oppression and marginalization (LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of color, et al.)
    • Saw violence in the home where they grew up

Children and Domestic Violence

Children and youth are the “hidden” victims in homes where domestic violence is present. Children and youth can experience trauma from witnessing abuse in the home. Research also suggests domestic violence perpetrators can inflict harm on children and youth in the home. Witnessing domestic violence as a child can have lasting impacts. It can also increase the likelihood of experiencing domestic violence throughout their lifetime.

If you have questions about children and youth exposure to domestic violence, please visit our Children and Youth Exposure to DV Program page.

Additional Information and Resources

To learn more about domestic violence, forms of abuse, red flags, statistics, FAQs, tips for talking to someone experiencing domestic violence, and more, visit the websites of our national partners the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

For more NC-specific statistics, visit the Council for Women & Youth Involvement.