Domestic Violence Advocacy Program

What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior that is used to gain power and control over one's intimate partner, and it can occur in both dating and marital relationships. The violence can be in the form of physical injury, but it may also be in the form of threats, isolation, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.

Am I being abused?

Take the Quiz

The answer may be yes if your spouse, ex-spouse, lover, or dating partner dispays the following behavior:

• Constantly keeps track of you

• Acts jealous or possessive

• Accuses you of being unfaithful or flirting

• Discourages your relationships with friends and family

• Prevents you from working or attending school

• Constantly criticizes you

• Controls all finances and forces you to account for what you spend

• Humiliates you in front of others

• Destroys personal property or sentimental items

• Threatens to hurt you or your children

• Threatens to use a weapon against you or your children

• Pushes, hits, slaps, punches, kicks or bites you or your children

• Forces you to have sex against your will

If this is happening to you it is important to know that there is help. You are not alone!

Safety Tips if you are in a domestic violence relationship

Who is involved?

Domestic Violence occures in all social and economic groups. Abuse is not more frequent in one class, race or religion.

Why does domestic violence occur?

Domestic Violence is a learned response. Many abusers grew up witnessing abuse or were themselves abused. This does not excuse their behavior, however.

What can I do if I'm being abused?

Confide in someone. There is strength in emotional support and safety in letting someone know what is happening to you. You have the right to ask the court for help in keeping your attacker away from you, your home, and your place of work. you may also get temporary help in getting custody of your children and/or obtaining financial support for yourself and your minor children.

When help is offered...

• Get the names of police officers that respond to your call

• Give them names of any witnesses

• Insist that they fill out a police report whether or not you wish to press charges, and even if no arrest is made and get a report number

• if you need medical attention, get the names of nurses and doctors who assist you. Insist that pictures are taken of your injuries. Ask for copies of the medical reports.

• you may decide that your would like help to look at your situation. The Domestic Violence Advocacy Program has trained staff to help you look at choices, not to tell you what to do.

If you decide to leave take your...

• Driver's License

• Birth Certificates (for you and your children)

• Passports

• Social Security cards (for you and your children)

• Welfare ID

• Green card

• Work permits

Financial possessions

• Bank books, bank cards and checkbooks

• Money and credit cards

Legal papers

• Divorce papers

• Custody papers

• Protective orders

• Paternity papers

• Receipts for purchased items

• Leases, rental agreements, house deed

• Car title and registration

Other items

• Children's possessions that may affect their emotional security (blankets, teddy bears, etc.)

• Medications

• Medical records for you and your children

• Address book

• Pictures and other sentimental items

The Domestic Violence Advocacy Progam Offers:

• 24 Hour Crisis Lines in both Iowa and Illinois

• Individual counseling and Advocacy

• Legal Advocacy

• Support groups

• Educational groups

• Children's counseling

• Accompaniment to medical, legal or other services

• Community education

• Professional training

• Shelter services