Clear Creek County Advocates
303-679-2426
Hotline: 303-569-3126
Fight Against
Domestic Violence
Clear Creek County Advocates
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence is a crime.
“An act or threatened act of violence against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.” Domestic Violence also includes “any other crime against a person or against property, or any municipal ordinance violation against a person or against property when used as a method of coercion, control, punishment, intimidation or revenge directed against a person with whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship.”
Domestic violence occurs in a cycle.
Battering is an intentional act used to gain power and control over the other person.
The precipitating factor is usually some event unrelated to the victim’s behavior.
The State of Colorado has a domestic violence law mandating physical arrest and formal charges for those who commit domestic violence.
The Cycle of Violence
Stage I – Tension Building
Tension exists between the family members. It is displayed by the batterer becoming increasingly irritable, jealous, or threatening.
Stage II – Explosion
The battering incident. The tension becomes unbearable and is uncontrollably discharged.
Stage III – The Honeymoon
The batterer is extremely loving and apologetic. Gifts are often given along with promises that the abuse will never happen again.
Then it begins again.
Personality Characteristics in Domestic Violence
Characteristics of People Who Choose Abusive Behaviors
Characteristics of the Survivor
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There are five leading factors causing death in a domestic violence situation. If all questions below have a “yes” answer, the victim is in real danger of being killed when or shortly after a violent dispute erupts.