Fact or Fiction

Not all abuse is physically violent. Fact

A person does not have to be physically harmed to be considered a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence is abusive behavior by one intimate partner against another, used to gain or maintain power and control. The abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or a combination of all three. 

Domestic violence is usually a one-time, isolated occurrence. Fiction

Depending on the relationship, domestic abuse may occur very often, or not often at all. The abuser often makes promises that the abuse will never happen again. However, once the violence begins, it usually gets worse as time goes on. 

Domestic violence only occurs in low-income families. Fiction

Many people still believe that domestic violence is restricted to low-income families. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and people of any class, culture, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, age or sex can become a victim. 

Instances of domestic violence with a male victim are rare. Fiction

Though there are more cases of female-victim instances, instances of male-victim violence certainly occur. Nearly 1 in 7 men (14%) have been victims of (some form of) physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.