The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which helps protect women against domestic violence and assists those who are victimized through various programs, came into being in 1994. However, it was a time-limited measure that had to be periodically renewed.Due to...
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Domestic Violence
The toll of domestic violence on children is greater than feared
There's a lot of new research emerging that's focused on the effects of domestic violence on children. Researchers are finding out that abuse actually affects children -- and the adults those children later become -- in far worse ways than they ever imagined.Here are...
Think only the weak get into abusive relationships? Think again
There's a popular perception that domestic abusers target partners that they perceive as "weak." There's some logic in that idea since abusers generally only feel confident and strong when they have control over someone else.However, most abusers don't target people...
Domestic violence survivors run into trouble in San Francisco
When you're the survivor of domestic violence, you have immediate concerns that have to be addressed. Your ongoing safety is the number one concern you probably have -- followed quickly by trying to minimize the effect of domestic violence on other areas of your...
Domestic disputes turn increasingly violent during holidays
Domestic violence is a problem all year long, but it can be even more intense during the holiday season. More than half of all Californians -- 58 percent -- have been touched by domestic violence at some point in their lives. That's why organizations like Blue Shield...
Borderline personality disorder and the abusive partner
While nobody is certain, psychologists estimate that up to 60 percent of the abusers in domestic violence situations suffer from borderline personality disorder (BPD).If you're in a relationship with someone whose anger and rage seems potentially explosive, it's...
Domestic violence dangers and safety plans
The victims of domestic violence face a lot of obstacles when it comes to breaking free from their abusers -- not the least of which is a very justifiable fear of what will happen if they do try to leave.Three-fourths of the homicides related to domestic violence...
Dating violence among teenagers
Dating violence is domestic violence. However, many teens who are the victims of domestic abuse by their romantic partners don't realize that they're being abused until the violence escalates out of control. If you have a teenager, it's important to discuss the...
Early signs of domestic violence in a relationship
Experts say that domestic violence is all about control. The abuser wants to obtain -- or maintain -- his or her power over the victim. That's why it's often possible to spot an abusive relationship in the making -- long before any physical violence starts. How can...
Could you be stalked electronically by an abusive partner?
Escaping domestic violence is difficult because abusers are experts at stripping their victims of economic power, supportive relationships and their freedom. However, even when victims do make a break and exert their rights to live without violence and abuse, their...