What is Abuse?
Recognizing Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault
If you need domestic violence help in Texas right now, you can reach our advocates any time at (281) 342-HELP (4357). The call is free and confidential.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse and sexual assault are both ways one person tries to keep dangerous control and power over another. Domestic abuse can affect anyone of any race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, background, or education level. When a person in a relationship, family, or household uses violence or coercion to control another person, domestic abuse is happening.
At the start of a relationship, it can be hard to recognize behaviors that may become abusive later.
Some warning signs of an abusive partner include:
- Belittling, insulting or shaming you.
- Extreme jealousy.
- Controlling where you go and who you see.
- Discouraging you from seeing friends or family members.
- Taking your money or refusing to give you money for necessary expenses.
- Looking at you or acting in ways that scare you.
- Preventing you from making your own decisions.
- Telling you that you are a bad parent or threatening to harm or take away your children.
- Preventing you from working or attending school.
- Destroying your property or threatening to hurt or kill your pets.
- Intimidating you with guns, knives or other weapons.
- Pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want to or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
- Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline
If you have experienced any of the above, you are not alone and we are here to help.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault includes rape but is not limited to it. It is any sexual act or sexually intended action done without a person's consent. It can take many forms, but it is never your fault. What you were wearing, saying, or doing has nothing to do with being assaulted, and none of it ever makes the assault your fault.
Anyone of any background can experience sexual assault.
Forms of sexual assault include:
- Rape
- Marital rape
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Any sexual contact with a minor
- Incest
- Any unwanted sexual act or touching
It is estimated that 8 out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the person knows. No matter how it happened or who did it, what matters is this: we believe you. We believe your story, and we will support you however we can.
If you or someone you love needs local support, call (281) 342-4357. You are not alone.