How to Report Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is also sometimes known as intimate partner violence or “battering.” It is a pattern of sexual, physical, psychological, and/or emotional abuse used by one partner to gain control over the other. Women are more commonly victims of domestic violence than men, but both can experience domestic violence and abuse. Domestic violence occurs as frequently in LGBTQ relationships as in heterosexual relationships. Only about half of domestic violence incidents are reported to authorities. Whether you need to speak up on your own behalf or call on behalf of a loved one, reporting domestic violence is the first step to breaking its power.