DOMESTIC
ABUSE &
VIOLENCE
Jenelle Marshall; BSW
Supervising Family Service Specialist II
Department of Children and Families
Division of Child Protection and Permanency
What is Domestic Violence?
True or False?
Children are DV only
not affected consists of
T/F by DV if they T/F physical
do not abuse
witness it
DV only
Domestic
affects
Violence can
T/F people with T/F affect
low socio
everyone
economic
status
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence refers
to a pattern of abusive
behavior in intimate
relationships, which can
include physical,
emotional, psychological,
sexual and/or financial
abuse. It affects
individuals regardless of
age, gender,
socioeconomic status, or
sexual orientation
01
Section 1: Statistics
Statistics vary by region and
demographic factors
STATISTICS:
● 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical
violence, intimate sexual violence, or intimate partner stalking, with impacts such as
injury, fearfulness, PTSD, use of victim services or contracting sexually transmitted
diseases.
○
● Nearly half of female homicide victims in the US are killed by a current or
former male intimate partner
○
● On average 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner
in the US, which equates to 10 million women and men each year
●
● On average it takes a woman 7 attempts to leave a DV relationship before she is
able to permanently separate from her abuser.
● 70% of domestic violence homicides occur after the victim has left the abuser
THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME FOR A WOMAN IS
WHEN SHE ATTEMPTS TO LEAVE OR HAS JUST LEFT THE
ABUSIVE PARTNER. THE ABUSER FEELS A LOSS OF
CONTROL AND THEIR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR MAY
ESCALATE
Video Next:
02
Section 2: Understanding
Domestic Violence
Understanding domestic violence is important for several
reasons:
1. DV is a public health issue. DV has severe physical
and mental health consequences for victims.
2. Social Impact. It affects family structures, leading to
cycles of violence and trauma
3. Legal and policy framework. Awareness can drive
better laws and resources for victims.
4. Prevention. Educating communities can help reduce
stigma and encourage reporting and support.
03
Section 3: Misconceptions
Misconceptions
● It’s only physical abuse. Many believe that DV is solely physical,
however it can include emotional, psychological, sexual and
financial abuse.
● It only affects women.
● It only happens in certain socioeconomic classes.
● Alcohol and substance use causes DV. While this can exacerbate
violence, it is not the root cause. Abuse stems from power and
control dynamics.
Misconceptions
● DV is a private matter. DV is a public issue that affects families and
communities, warranting community intervention and support. Viewing
DV as a private matter allows the abuse to go unchecked.
● Children aren’t affected if they don’t see the abuse. Even if children aren’t
witnessing the abuse, they are affected by tension, fear, and emotional
harm that comes with living in the home. They are more likely to suffer
from mental health issues, have trouble in school and may repeat the
abuse patterns in their own relationships. They feel constant fear and
become anxious. It can cause behavioral problems, aggressive behaviors,
and/or violence. They can experience physical issues, problems sleeping,
and stress.
Video Next:
Misconceptions
● All abusers fit a stereotype, they aren’t good people. Abusers can
be charming and appear well adjusted, making it difficult to
identify them based on behavior alone.
● It it were really bad, the victim would leave. Victims often stay due
to fear, financial dependence, emotional manipulation, threats,
cultural or religious reasons and concern for the children.
A lot of misconceptions prevent victims from seeking help and
protection that they may need. Understanding realities of
domestic violence help create a more supportive environment for
victims and hold abusers accountable.
6 TYPES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
1. Physical Abuse
The use of physical force to harm or control the victim. Examples are hitting,
slapping, punching, kicking, choking, or using weapons. It’s the most visible form of
domestic violence.
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse
This type of abuse aims to damage the victim’s self-esteem or mental well being. It
includes verbal abuse, threats, humiliation, isolation, controlling behavior. Constant
threats of violence even if they are never carried out. It can include gaslighting,
denying or distorting reality to make the victim question their perception of abuse.
3. Sexual Abuse
Involves forcing or coercing someone into sexual activity without consent. This can
include rape, unwanted touching or any for of sexual exploitation.
4. Financial Abuse
Occurs when the abuser controls the victim’s financial resources, limiting their access to
money, employment, or financial independence. It can include controlling bank
accounts, withholding money, or sabotaging a partner’s ability to work.
5. Verbal Abuse
Involves the use of words to demean, belittle, or manipulate the victim. It can include
insults, threats, name-calling, constant criticism, and attempts to make the victim feel
worthless.
6. Digital or Cyber Abuse
Abuse carried out using technology or social media to control, stalk, or harass the
victim. Examples include monitoring the victim’s online activity, sending threatening
messages, or sharing private information without consent.
REMEMBER THE MOST DANGEROUS TIME FOR WOMAN IS WHEN SHE LEAVES!!
04
Section 4: Power and Control
Wheel
True or False?
Children are DV only
not affected consists of
T/F by DV if they T/F physical
do not abuse
witness it
DV only
Domestic
affects
Violence can
T/F people with T/F affect
low socio
everyone
economic
status
05
Section 5: Signs
SIGNS OF A BATTERED WOMAN
1. Physical Signs-
● Unexplained injuries: bruises, cuts, broken bones with unclear or inconsistent explanations
● Frequent medical issues: going to the hospital/doctor but avoids discussing the injuries
● Attempts to hide injuries: wearing long sleeves, sunglasses, or makeup to cover bruises
2. Emotional and Behavioral Changes
● Withdrawal from social activities
● Low self-esteem-frequent self criticism, or apologizing for their behavior even when unnecessary
● Anxiety or depression-fearfulness, constant worry
● Avoiding eye contact or being overly nervous
3. Changes in Relationships
● Isolation from friends and family-abuser controls whom they can see or talk to
● Overly accommodating-constantly worried about pleasing their partner or needing to ask for
permission
● Frequent cancellations-The person often shows up late, or cancels plans due to the abuser’s
restrictions
4. Controlling Behavior from the Partner
● Excessive jealousy or possessiveness-partner frequently calls, texts or checks on the
person’s whereabouts
● Monitoring behavior-abuser checks phone, social media or finances without consent
● Restrictiong access to money
● Making all the decisions
5. Verbal Abuse
● Frequent Criticism-the person’s partner may insult them or belittle them in front of others
and in private
● Public humiliation
6. Signs of Fear
● Walking on eggshells- the person may seem fearful of making their partner angry or
upset; avoiding conflict
● Hypervigilance- the person is constantly on edge, watching for signs of their partners
mood swings
SOME SIGNS OF A BATTERER
● Has he hit you in the past?
● Has he been aggressive with others as a means of expressing anger or
attempting to control a situation
● Does he express intense jealousy?
● Does he attempt to control your actions; where you go, what you do, who you
associate with?
● Does he blame others for his actions?
● Does he blame alcohol or drugs for his behavior?
● Does he have trouble with authority?
● Can he express emotions appropriately? Particularly anger?
● Is he hypersensitive to others’ actions; becoming very upset about minor
slights?
● Is he abusive towards animals?
● Does he have a fascination with weapons?
06
Section 6: How can we/church
help?
Create a safe, supportive environment
A. Acknowledge the problem. Churches need to openly acknowledge that DV exists.
Denounce the problem in the pulpit and through teaching to help reduce the stigma
and to let the victims know they are not alone.
B. Establish a safe space. Ensure that the church or individuals in the church are seen
as a place where victims can seek help. Maybe choose individuals in the church who
have the skills to help victims. Offer support, listening without judgement and
helping victims access resources.
C. Reject the misuse of scripture. Abusers will use certain scriptures to excuse their
behavior/actions. Church leaders need to teach healthy, respectful interpretations of
these scriptures.
D. Encourage professional help and legal protection. Church leaders should
familiarize themselves with resources in the community and partner with local law
enforcement. Pamphlets and resources can be put in bathrooms.
Create a safe, supportive environment
E. Churches can provide temporary emergency resources, shelter, food,
financial support, childcare.
F. Educate the congregation.
G. Hold abusers accountable. Abusers can seek forgiveness, but with that
also comes accountability. This should never be pressured of the victim.
H. Training for church leaders and development of protocols for
emergency situations.
I. Have a safety plan in place, especially if a victim comes when they have
left their abuser.
J. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. TAKE IT TO THE THRONE
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
01 02 03
YOU DON'T DENY
SHOULDN'T THAT THERE IS SEEK HELP
FEEL ASHAMED A PROBLEM
06
Section 6: Resources
New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline:
1800-572-SAFE (7233)
Available 24/7, confidential hotline that provides support, information, and referrals for victims of DV.
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1800-799-SAFE (7233) OR text “START” to 88788
Offers 24/7 support and can connect with local resources in NJ.
New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEDV)
www.njcedv.org
Statewide coalition that offers support, resources, and connections to local DV programs and shelters
across NJ.
Legal Assistance
www.lsnj.org
Offers free legal help to low-income individuals, including domestic violence victims. They assist with
restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and other issues related to abuse.
The New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center
www.njcvlc.org
Provides free legal advocacy and assistance for DV and other crimes.
Manavi (serving South Asian Communities in NJ)
732-435-1414 (24/7)
www.manavi.org
Catholic Charities
www.catholiccharities.org
Provides housing assistance, emergency shelters, and financial help for DV survivors.
FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS
● Immigrant Rights Program - Legal Services of NJ
www.lsnj.org/IRP
Provides legal assistance to undocumented and immigrant victims of
domestic violence, helping with immigration status, restraining orders,
and other issues.
● AILA NJ Pro Bono Project
www.aila.org
Provides free legal services to immigrant victims of domestic violence,
including assistance with U visas or VAWA self-petitions.
CRISIS INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN
● The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP)
formerly DYFS
1-877-NJ-ABUSE (652-2873)
Assists children in households affected by domestic violence and
provides protective services.
RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ+ VICTIMS
● The Anti-Violence Project
212-714-1141 (National LGBTQ hotline)
www.avp.org
Ellen Pence Scott Miller
-Social Activist -Batterer Intervention
-Power and Control Wheel Specialist
-Power and Control Wheel
“Come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28
