Everyone deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to begin again.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another in an intimate or family relationship. It can be physical, emotional, verbal, financial, or psychological and it often escalates over time.
Physical abuse: hitting, slapping, choking, shoving
42 % of women — and 42 % of men — have been hit, slapped, shoved, or otherwise physically assaulted by an intimate partner.
Emotional abuse: manipulation, isolation, constant criticism
Nearly 1 in 2 women (49 %) and 45 % of men have endured psychological/emotional aggression from a partner.
Verbal abuse: yelling, threats, name-calling, gaslighting
29 % of women (≈37 million) have been insulted, humiliated, or threatened by a partner — classic verbal abuse.
Financial abuse: controlling access to money, sabotaging employment
Financial abuse shows up in 99 % of domestic-violence relationships.
Sexual abuse: coercion, assault, or reproductive control
About 1 in 5 women (19.6 %) have suffered contact sexual violence from a partner.
Abuse is not always visible. Many survivors suffer silently, especially when children, housing, or immigration status are involved.
Domestic violence can impact anyone — regardless of age, gender, income, or background. Women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected.
Fear of retaliation
Financial dependency
Concern for children’s safety
Lack of access to shelter
Shame or stigma
Belief that things will improve
Leaving is a process, not a single event. Survivors are incredibly resilient.
When survivors leave, they often bring nothing. Our Journey Kits meet immediate needs, but they also send a powerful message: You matter. You are not alone. You deserve dignity.
National DV Hotline
NYC 24-Hour DV Hotline
