National Resource Centers
-
Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence – (415)568.3315
-
Casa de Esperanza: National Latin Network of Healthy Families & Communities – (651)646.5553
-
Fenway Violence Recovery Program (LGBTQ) - (800)834.3242
-
National Hotline for Domestic Abuse - (800) 799.SAFE(7233)
-
National Human Trafficking Resource Center - (888) 373.7888 or Text 233733
-
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center – (855)649.7299
-
National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence – (206)568.7777
-
National Sexual Assault Hotline/Stalking Resource Center – (800)656.4673
-
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline – (866)331.9474/ (866)331.8453 TDD or Text LOVEIS to 22522
-
The Network/ LaRed (LGBTQ) - (617)742.4911 / (617)227.4911 tty
Special Issue Resources
-
Battered Women’s Justice Project Criminal & Civil Justice Center – (800)903.0111 ext. 1
-
Battered Women’s Justice Project National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women – (800).903.0111 ext. 3
-
National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health – (312)726.7020
-
Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection & Custody – (800)527.3223
Types of Abuse
-
Digital Dating Abuse – This is a form of verbal and/or emotional abuse (particularly prevalent in teens) is conveyed via unwanted, repeated calls or text messages. The intent is to pressure the victim into sending nude images of themselves. Social media platforms can be used to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate victims as well in this form of abuse.
-
Discriminatory Abuse – This is the result of the misuse of power that ultimately denies opportunity to certain groups.
-
Emotional Abuse – Consists of behavior that is designed to hurt another person mentally.
-
Financial Abuse – This occurs when one person restricts access to money from another. This may be due to preventing a victim from working or having access to financial institutions. This is generally coupled with other forms of abuse.
-
Physical Abuse – Also known as domestic violence or domestic abuse when related to intimate relationships. This consists of any physical threat or act of a physical act that is designed to harm another person. This form shows the most outward signs.
-
Psychological Abuse – This type of abuse includes shaming, humiliation, shaming, threats, yelling and more as a way of controlling another person.
-
Sexual Abuse – Also known as sexual assault or rape. Includes any unwanted sexual act that is forced onto a victim. This can include anything from unwanted touching to forced intercourse or forced sexual contact with another person.
-
Stalking – This is the repeatedly following and harassing of another person. It is comprised of a series of actions that invade the privacy and endanger the safety of the victim.
-
Verbal Abuse – Generally a form of psychological abuse. Occurs when an abuser utilizes words and body language to intentionally hurt another person.
-
Elder Abuse – Consists of other forms of abuse that are perpetrated against any elderly individual by a younger person.
-
Spiritual Abuse – Includes the attacking of a person’s belief system, denying them access to a house of worship of forcing them into a cult.
Glossary of Terms
-
Advocate – An individual the provides help to a victim or survivor. Help may entail the obtaining of services, addressing responses from other systems (immigration, schools, hospitals, welfare, etc. and more. They also listen and recommend access resources and more.
-
Batterer’s Intervention Program – A group designed for offenders to hold them accountable for their abusive behavior. Additionally, they are taught why respect is a necessity in relationships. This is a method of ending the cycle of abuse.
-
Child Advocacy Center – A program that serves children that have been abused as well as their families. They bring together child protection workers, social workers, police officers, health care providers and more to investigate and assess what is best for the child in need.
-
Court Advocate – An individual that assists victims and survivors in navigating through the court system.
-
Economic Empowerment Program – Programs that are focused on increasing the economic stability of victims and survivors. Programs include: housing assistance, job searches, educational services, GED programs, and job training.
-
Forensic Exam – A medical exam that can be requested by a victim or a survivor. During this exam evidence is collected from their clothing and body. Additionally, treatment is offered for any medical needs that resulted due to the assault, including: pregnancy, injuries, STD/HIV exposure. This does NOT mean that charges have been or will be charged.
-
Legal Advocacy – Assists victims and survivors in obtaining civil protection against abusers as well as help in making decisions regarding: reporting to law enforcement, probate, civil and criminal court actions.
-
Medical Advocacy – Includes accompanying a victim or survivor to medical appointments as well as assistance in navigating mental health and healthcare services.
-
Residential Emergency Shelter and Safe Homes – Short term living arraignments for victims and survivors.
-
Safety Plan – This is created by a victim or survivor with the help of an advocate. This details options for leaning their abuser or an action plan if abuse occurs again.
-
Sex Slavery/Trafficking – This is he exploitation of children and women, within or across international borders. The exploitation is for the sole purpose of forced sex work.
-
Commercial Sexual Exploitation – Includes the sex trafficking of children and women, prostitution, and pornography. This is characterized by the exchange of money that occurs.
-
Transitional Housing – Housing for victims and survivors that is longer in term. Services are provided to help stabilize their lives prior to moving into permanent housing.
-
Witness/Victim Advocate – Employees of the DA office that provide advocacy, information and support for witnesses to crimes as well as their families.
