Frequently Asked Questions

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  What is the Cycle of Abuse?

  Domestic abusers repeat these four stages over and over, trapping victims | This story was originally published in 2014. It was updated in 2022. Domestic violence oft... read more

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  You Ask, We Answer: Domestic Violence FAQs

  Answers to your top questions about domestic abuse and intimate partner violence | DomesticShelters.org has been helping and supporting domestic violence victims, surv... read more

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  Profile of an Abuser

  Is it possible to spot an abuser before you get involved? | This article was originally published in 2014. It was updated in 2022. No one ever plans to venture ou... read more

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  When It's Time to Go: Part I

  A checklist of essentials to take with you when escaping abuse | Walking out the door and away from an abuser—or kicking an abusive partner out the door, if so inc... read more

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  Abusive Red Flags Everyone Should Know

  The signs that your partner could turn violent | One in three women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime. According to the Violence Po... read more

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  This Is What Abuse Looks Like

  Spotting the signs, red flags and warning signals of abuse could save your life | Sometimes the hardest part about getting help when you’re with an abuser is recogn... read more

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  A Deadly Cycle

  Abusers will repeat four stages of abuse over and over, trapping survivors | There's a certain script domestic violence follows and survivors know it well. Most advoca... read more

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  How to Get a Personal Protection Order

  Don’t feel overwhelmed by the process—advocacy agencies can help | Protection orders, sometimes referred to as restraining orders and injunctions, are available to ... read more

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  Domestic Violence Statistics

  The hard truth about domestic violence | Alarming statistics indicate that, as you read this short sentence, a woman has become the victim of assault, most likely b... read more