…is any form of emotional, verbal, psychological, physical, or sexual abuse by a romantic partner.  Victims often experience abuse that gets more severe over time as the abuser tries to control or dominate them. 

(Click here for Info on TEEN Relationship Abuse and Domestic Violence)

 Characteristics of an abusive relationship can include:

- Jealousy and possessiveness
- Name-calling and putdowns
- Controlling behavior
- Pressure to engage in activities (sexual or other)
- Physical threats to hurt you or themselves
- Choking, strangling, or other injurious behavior

 Fear, threats, shame, and the belief that an abuser’s behavior will change often contribute to the victim feeling unsure about talking to someone about his or her situation.  It is important to remember that there is help available.  No one deserves to feel unsafe in a romantic relationship. 

In this country, six million women are beaten each year by an intimate partner and four thousand women are murdered.  Heterosexual men are the most frequently reported perpetrators of domestic violence and women most usually the report victims (95%).  However, it is important to remember that men can also be victims of domestic violence and that violence occurs with similar frequency in same-sex relationships.

Estimates from national studies of teen dating indicate that 28% of teen relationships involve violence.

Resources that can assist:

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

For community Resources that can help.  Community Resources Online – www.CrisisClinic.org

 2-1-1 Community Information Line – 2-1-1 or 206-461-3200

 24-Hour Crisis Line – 866-4CRISIS (866-427-4747)

 Washington State  Domestic Violence Hotline (24 Hours) – (800)-562-6025

 Eastside Domestic Violence Crisis Line (24 Hours) – 425-746-1940
www.edvp.org 

Youth Eastside Services – Dating Violence Program – (425)747-4937
www.youtheastsideservices.org

NW Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse –
206-568-7777    http://nwnetwork.org/

Asian & Pacific Islander Women & Family Safety Center –(206) 467-9976
www.apiwfsc.org

DAWN- Domestic Abuse Women's Network – (425) 656-7867
www.dawnonline.org

Rape & Sexual Assault

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, it is important to go to the emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.  The victim should not take a shower, clean up, or change their clothes.  At the hospital, a social worker will discuss options and allow the victim to decide if a specialized nurse or doctor should collect evidence (the first examination is free of charge).  The doctor will discuss medications that are available to reduce the chances of contracting an STD or getting pregnant.  If the crime is against a person under the age of 18, the law requires the police be notified. However, going to the hospital and submitting a report does NOT mean that charges must be filed against the perpetrator or that participation in a legal case must occur.  Counselors can talk about available alternatives and help the victim decide what the best choice is going to be for the individual.

 Rape by acquaintances accounts for 60% of all rapes reported to rape crisis centers (Levy, 1991).

 Approximately 44% of people who are victims of a sexual assault are under the age of 18. (Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress)

 Resources that can assist:

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

For community Resources that can help.  Community Resources Online – www.CrisisClinic.org

 2-1-1 Community Information Line – Dial 2-1-1 or 206-461-3200

 24-Hour Crisis Line – 866-4CRISIS (866) 427-4747

Child Protective Services (24 Hours) - (800) 562-5624
www.dshs.wa.gov

Children’s Response Center (East King Co.) - (425) 688-5130 www.childrensresponsecenter.org

Communities Against Rape & Abuse (CARA) -  (206) 322-4856
www.cara-seattle.org  

Harborview Center for Sexual Assault & Traumatic Stress - (206) 521-1800
www.harborview.org  -   Evenings & weekends - (206) 731-3000

Incest Survivors Anonymous Support group - (206) 903-9427

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center 24-Hour Crisis Line -
(800) 825-7273
www.kcsarc.org