INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE | SEXUAL ASSAULT

IPV | SA : What is it? Why does it happen?
What can I do about it?

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ABOUT IPV ABOUT SA & TRAFFICKING

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)

Intimate Partner Violence - What it is

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. “Intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is. It can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years.

What is Intimate Partner Violence? (IPV)
Intimate Partner Violence - Why does it happen?

Abusive relationships can develop gradually. There is a definite cycle that combines the good times with often subtle abusive acts that allow the abuser to gain power and control over the relationship and, eventually, lead the victim to emotional dependence and learned helplessness. By the time a pattern has emerged there are often children involved, financial ties, and emotional bonds that are difficult to break.

Why does IPV happen?

TYPES OF ABUSE

Physical Abuse

ABUSE

PHYSICAL

Slapping, hitting, punching, pinching, shoving, pushing, grabbing, biting, preventing partner from entering or leaving a room/house, restraining, abandoning partner in a dangerous place, throwing objects, destroying property, refusing to assist with medical care.

Emotional | Psychological Abuse

ABUSE

EMOTIONAL | PSYCHOLOGICAL

Isolating partner from family and friends, ignoring partner’s feelings, calling derogatory names, constant criticism, accusations of infidelity, manipulating with lies, threats (to leave, take away the children, etc.), excessive possessiveness.

Sexual Abuse

ABUSE

SEXUAL

Forcing sex or specific sexual acts, minimizing the importance of partner’s feelings towards sex, criticizing partner’s sexual performance, publicly showing interest in other women or men. Reproductive coercion is also another form of sexual abuse.

Verbal Abuse

ABUSE   

VERBAL

Name calling, using a threatening tone of voice, degrading comments, interrogating partner, blaming partner.

Economic Abuse

ABUSE

ECONOMIC

The most common form of abuse. Preventing partner from working, refusing to work or share money, restricting partner to an allowance, taking or hiding money, not letting partner be involved in money-making decisions.

Help Abused

What can I do if I know someone who is in an abusive relationship?

Over 55% of Americans say they know someone who has been involved in an abusive relationship. There are some basic steps that you can take to help. First, encourage the person to express their hurt and anger and be an active listener. A simple, honest response like, “that’s abuse” can help to validate any uncertain feelings. Don’t try to “see the other side”—there is no other side when it comes to abuse. Avoid putting down the abuser as this could make the victim defensive. Instead, give support and understanding and allow the person to make their own decisions, even if it means they are not ready to leave the abusive relationship. Share information about available resources, reinforce concern for any children involved, encourage them to keep a record of all abusive incidents, and maintain confidentiality.

Remember to assure them that the abuse is not their fault AND they are not alone—many people are in abusive situations and find it difficult to leave.

Get Help

What can I do if I'm in an abusive relationship?

If you’re experiencing any type of abuse, it’s important to recognize the situation and realize that you do not have to take it. Devise a safety plan and practice how to get out safely during an explosive incident. Contact our 24 hour hotline at 301.739.8975 for information about shelter, counseling, legal rights, and other support services. If you are threatened and fear for your life, call 911 immediately. 

DEVISE A SAFETY PLAN

SEXUAL ASSAULT and SEX TRAFFICKING

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault/abuse is any type of sexual behavior committed against a person without their explicit permission. Examples include harassment, unwanted or inappropriate touching, exposing/flashing, fondling, and penetration with any object. Sexual abuse is differentiated from sexual assault by the relationship of the victim to the offender. Sexual assault becomes sexual abuse when the offender is a family or household member or an individual who has "temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision: of the child". (Family Law, 5-701.)

What Is Sexual Assault?
What is Sex Trafficking?

Sex trafficking is an act of using force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for commercial sex acts. However, if a person is under the age of 18 and has been exploited for a commercial sex act, force, fraud, or coercion are not required to constitute sex trafficking. While movement or transportation of the individual may occur as part of the crime, movement is not a requirement. A person can be trafficked within their own state, city, neighborhood, or home. (Sex Trafficking | Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault)

What Is Sex Trafficking?

What Should I Do If I Am Sexually Assaulted Or Raped?

  • The offender may have been someone you know - more than 75% of all rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. If you don't know the offender, try to get a description. Notice hair and skin color, scars and tattoos. If a car is involved, try to get the color, model, year and license plate number.
  • Get to a safe place as quickly as possible.
  • Do not bathe, douche, shower, comb your hair, or change your clothes. You may destroy important evidence that is needed by the police and that could be used if you choose to take legal action.
  • Call the police (911) and someone you trust for support.
  • GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. If you go to a hospital emergency room within 72 hours, they can collect evidence of the assault. Regardless of when you go to the hospital, you can be examined for injuries and tested for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Our advocates will meet you at the hospital. Click here for MCASA's SAFE NURSE LOCATOR
  • Remember that it is NOT your fault!
  • Talk to someone. It is important to understand and deal with your feelings about the assault. It will help you in your recovery. You don't have to face this alone - CASA's hotline number is 301-739-8975 and help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call anonymously if that helps.
What to do if I've been raped or sexually assaulted

CASA is a lifeline for people (children, teenagers, and adults) in Washington County who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse, and rape. Our programs and services provide the professional support and guidance necessary for these individuals and their families to survive violence and abuse and establish a new and safe direction.

WORKING HOURS:
To schedule an appointment, please call our office Monday-Friday, between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM 

CONTACT

LINKS

  • CASA, Inc. services are open to all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity, ability, national origin, and other  characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws.



    • United Way of Washington County

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