Domestic Violence Prevention

Domestic Violence is a crime about power and control in relationships.

Domestic Battery can be committed by men or women, but national statistics show that in nearly 95% of reported cases, the victim is female and the perpetrator is male.

Relationship Violence tends to increase in frequency and intensity over time. Statistics show that nearly 50% of all homicides of women in the U.S. are Domestic Violence related

Nearly 20% of all American women acknowledge having been violently abused by a husband or boyfriend.

Nevada Revised Statute 33.018 defines Domestic Violence as an assault or battery of:

It is unlawful for persons in such relationships to batter, assault, sexually assault, harass or commit other crimes against each other.

Warning Signs of an Abusive Personality

1. Excessive Jealousy - possessiveness of you, your time, your attention etc.
2. Controlling Behavior - attempting to control who you see, what you wear, how you spend your money etc.
3. Pressure for quick involvement - many battered women dated or knew their abuser less than six months before becoming engaged, moving in with or marrying them. Pressure for a serious commitment very early in a a relationship can be a warning signal.
4. Unrealistic Expectations - expecting you to fulfill every emotional, physical and financial need or expecting you to be perfect for them
5. Isolation - attempt to isolate you from friends and family members in an attempt to create total dependence on them
6. Blames Others for problems - can't take personal responsibility for their own mistakes or failure to achieve desired goals
7. Blames Others for Feelings - statements like "you make me mad," "you make me unhappy" are an excuse to take their frustrations out on you - mature individuals are able to control their emotions and reactions to stressful situation.
8. Hypersensitivity - easliy insulted, take slightest setbacks as personal attacks
9. Cruelty to Animals or Children - 60% of men who beat women also batter and abuse children and animals. Those behaviors are a serious warning signal of a dangerous personality.
10. Use of Force in Sex - abusers may force sexual activity, they may find the idea of rape exciting. Persons in a healthy relationship should be respectful of each other's feeling on sexual activity.
11. Verbal Abuse - name calling, belittling, cruel and hurtful language etc. are very often a pre-cursor to physical abuse
12. Rigid Sex Roles - men who abuse often view women as inferior to men and expect them to be subservient an obedient
13. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde - sudden changes of mood from kind and loving to violent and explosive
14. Past Battering - a person who admits to past battering, no matter the reason, is a high risk for future battering. Batterers are expert liars and manipulators. They may attempt to "bribe" with profuse apologies, sentimental notes or letters and gifts - these are meant to keep you involved but do not guarantee a change in behavior. Persons whose childhood was spent in a home where battery occurred are very likely to repeat that pattern in their own home. It's wise to learn about a person's history and attitudes toward family members before becoming seriously involved
15. Threats of Violence - any threat should be taken seriously - persons in healthy relationships do not threaten each other with violence
16. Breaking or Striking Objects - this behavior is used as a punishment or to frighten and intimidate
17. Any Force During an Argument - forcing you to listen, grabbing, pushing, pinning to a wall, blocking exit etc. are attempts to control and indicators of abusive tendencies

What can you do to prevent Domestic Violence?

What can you do if you are in a violent relationship now?

Have a personal Safety Plan

In a Crisis

For more information or lists of community resources, contact the University Police Services Department at 784-4013.