24-HOUR CRISIS LINE 901-800-6064

Domestic Violence

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that consists of physical, sexual and/or psychological abuse or assaults committed by one intimate partner against another. Domestic violence often occurs because a partner wants to control the thoughts, beliefs and conduct of his or her significant other.

While domestic violence is directed at a particular victim, everyone suffers – children, families, friends and co-workers. Domestic violence affects our entire community.

Visit our interactive microsite for additional insight on domestic violence and how to find hope.

Are you a victim?

Do you have an intimate partner who may be abusing you? Do you live in fear for yourself and your child(ren)? You may be a victim of domestic violence. If you answer “yes” to five or more of the questions below, you are at high risk for being in danger of serious injury or death.

  • Hurt you physically?
  • Belittle you or humiliate you (when you are alone/in front of others)?
  • Threaten to seriously harm you?
  • Physically hurt or threaten to hurt one of your children?
  • Physically hurt or threaten to hurt one of your pets?
  • Tell you he/she can’t live without you?
  • Keep you away from your family or friends?
  • Act jealous or possessive (accuse you of having affairs)?
  • Check up on you at work or follow you (cause problems at your job)?
  • Insist on you accounting for every minute of your time?
  • Insist on you accounting for every penny you spend?
  • Break things or throw things at you?
  • Restrain you or hold you down?
  • Ever tell you that you will never leave him/her?
  • Act like his/her hurting you is your fault?
  • Force you to have sex?
  • Ever threaten to hurt himself/herself?
  • Ever threaten you with a weapon?*
  • Ever threaten to kill you?*
  • Ever talk about how or when he/she would kill you?*

*Answering “yes” to ANY of these questions indicates that you are at high risk and in danger of serious injury or death. Click here now or call our 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 901-800-6064.

OwnYourHope.org

Safety Planning

Learn about safety planning guidelines that may help you in an abusive situation.

Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence is happening among our youth in Memphis and Shelby County. See statistics on the prevalence of teen violence in your community.

Children Exposed to Violence

FSC serves as one of the primary doors for children exposed to violence in the home. Learn about the Defending Childhood Initiative and more.