DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
ADVOCACY
Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of controlling, threatening, degrading or violent behaviors that may include sexual abuse, used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate partner relationship. At SAAF, we provide advocacy for sexual and domestic violence victims. We can help with social, legal, and judicial systems. We also provide safety planning and transitional housing.
Types of Abuse
Abuse is a pattern of behaviors one person uses to gain power and control over another person. It’s not always physical abuse. Experiencing even one or two of these in a relationship may be an indication that you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship.
Physical
When someone you’re in a personal relationship with is causing you physical injury, forcing you to have sex without consent, and/or using threats of physical injury to control you.
Sexual
When someone forces you to engage in unwanted sexual activity, repeatedly accuses you of sexual activity with others, makes you fearful of saying no, or denying you the use of contraception or protection from sexually transmitted diseases..
Emotional
When someone you’re in a personal relationship uses tactics like humiliation, demeans you in public or private, undermines your confidence or sense of self-worth, or uses threats or verbal abuse to try and control you.
