The Cycle of Violence Office of the Attorney General
Washington, D.C.

All of you know how much needs to be done to take meaningful steps to end domestic violence and sexual assault. We need tough law enforcement, aggressive prosecutions, effective prevention programs and available shelters for families in distress. Most importantly, we need to insure that more people know and understand that domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a critical national problem that affects us all -- in every community, in every work place and in every school.

Each of us can do more -- and this booklet shows us how.

President Clinton recognized the seriousness of the problem when he signed the Violence Against Women Act as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. In the past year, we have sought to combine tough federal penalties along with substan-tial resources to the states to begin dealing with the problem of domes-tic violence in a comprehensive, multi-faceted way. We have encour-aged the states and local law enforcement agencies to begin programs that will enhance their ability to prevent domestic violence, to punish it and to stop the cycle of violence. The Act also established a National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE.

Here at the Justice Department, Bonnie Campbell and the Violence Against Women Office have worked to get the message out and to pro-vide guidance to law enforcement agencies throughout the country. HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala and I have a very active Advisory Council which is proposing creative ideas on implementing the Violence Against Women Act. In addition, President Clinton has called on all the departments of the Federal government to develop employee awareness campaigns to help combat domestic violence.

I encourage you to share this booklet with anyone you know who might be at risk of domestic violence. By working together, exchang-ing ideas, and coordinating our work in this area, we can begin to end the terrible cycle of violence that destroys so many American lives.

Janet Reno


Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence

.Bonnie J. Campbell
Director of the Violence Against Women Office

Tough new laws are one way to reduce domestic violence and sexual assaults. Nothing sends a clearer message to a wife-beater -- and Department of Justice statistics confirm that women are battered far more than men -- than prosecuting and jailing other wife-beaters. New laws, however, are not the only answer.

Too many people continue to believe that domestic violence is a private matter between a couple, rather than a criminal offense that merits a strong and swift response. Even today, the victim of a domestic assault runs the risk of being asked, "What did you do to make your husband angry?" This questions implies the victim is to blame for this abuse. People in our criminal justice system -- police, prosecutors, judges, and jurors - need to be educated about the role they can play in curbing acts of domestic violence.

Even when cases are brought, domestic crimes are difficult to prosecute. All too often victims are so terrorized that they fear for their lives if they call the police. Silence is the batterer's best friend. We have to end the silence and change our attitudes toward domestic crime.

Neighbors must contact the police when they hear violent fights in their neighborhoods. Don't turn up the television to block out the sounds of the drunken argument next door. Call the police.

Teachers should be alert to signs that students have witnessed violence at home. Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to become violent themselves.

Medical professionals who see the victims of violence need to ask them about these crimes. Too often, doctors or emergency room person-nel accept the statement of fearful victims that their bruises or cuts are the result of household accidents or falls. When a woman with a black eye says that she fell and hit the doorknob, doctors and nurses must ask: "Did someone hit you?"

Members of the clergy need to become more involved as well. We just can't tell a battered spouse to "go home and make it work," as was done in the past. Sending a woman back to a battering husband often places her life at risk. Of course, we can't tell a woman who lives in a violent relationship what to do, but we can make a greater effort to let her know that other options are available for her and her children. Early intervention is crucial.

These crimes are serious. Experience shows that levels of violence in these relationships tend to escalate, and many police departments cite domestic violence as their number one problem. Tough laws and effective prosecutions, combined with education and a cooperative approach among law enforcement and social service agencies, will take time to be effec-tive. Until then, we all must take a greater role in reporting domestic abuse. Our efforts to break the silence can make a difference.

National Domesitc Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
TDD 1-800-787-3224

Domestice Violence...What is it?

As domestic violence awareness has increased, it has become evident that abuse can occur within a number of relationships. The laws in many states cover incidents of violence occurring between married couples, as well as abuse of elders by family members, abuse between roommates, dating couples and those in lesbian and gay relationships.

In an abusive relationship, the abuser may use a number of tactics other than physical violence in order to maintain power and control over his or her partner:

Emotional and verbal abuse:
Survivors of domestic violence recount stories of put-downs, public humiliation, name-calling, mind games and manipulation by their partners. Many say that the emotional abuse they have suffered has left the deepest scars,

Isolation:
It is common for an abuser to be extremely jealous, and insist that the victim not see her friends or family members. The resulting feeling of isolation may then be increased for the victim if she loses her job as a result of absenteeism or decreased productivity (which are often associated with people who are experiencing domestic violence).

Threats and Intimidation:
Threats -- including threats of violence, suicide, or of taking away the children -- are a very common tactic employed by the batterer.

The existence of emotional and verbal abuse, attempts to isolate, and threats and intimidation within a relationship may be an indication that physical abuse is to follow. Even if they are not accompanied by physical abuse, the effect of these incidents must not be minimized. Many of the resources listed in this book have information available for people who are involved with an emotionally abusive intimate partner.

For additional information on the domestic violence definitions and laws in your state, please contact the state resource listed in the back of this book.

Who Are The Victims

Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey, August 1995

Myths Feed Denial About Family Violence

Myth:
Family violence is rare...

Truth:
Although statistics on family violence are not precise, it's clear that millions of children, women and even men are abused physically by family members and other intimates.

Myth:
Family violence is confined to the lower classes...

Truth:
Reports from police records, victim services, and academic studies show domestic violence exists equally in every socioeconomic group, regardless of race or culture.

Myth:
Alcohol and drug abuse are the real causes of violence in the home...

Truth:
Because many male batterers also abuse alcohol and other drugs, it's easy to conclude that these substances may cause domestic violence. They apparently do increase the lethality of the violence, but they also offer the batrefer another excuse to evade responsibility for his behavior. The abu-sive man -- and men are the abusers in the overwhelming majority of domestic violence incidents -- typically con-trols his actions, even when drunk or high, by choosing a time and place for the assaults to take place in private and go undetected. In addition, successful completion of a drug treatment program does not guarantee an end to battering. Domestic violence and substance abuse are two different problems that should be treated separately.

Myth:
Battered wives like being hit, otherwise they would leave...

Truth:
The most common response to battering-- "Why doesn't she just leave?"-- ignores economic and social realities facing many women. Shelters are often full, and family, friends, and the workplace are frequently less than fully supportive. Faced with rent and utility deposits, day care, health insurance, and other basic expenses, the woman may feel that she cannot sup-port herself and her children. Moreover, in some instances, the woman may be increasing the chance of physical harm or even death if she leaves an abusive spouse.

Adapted from:: "Preventing Violence Against Women, Not Just a Women's Issue," National Crime Prevention Council, 1995.

What Can You Say To A Victim

Adapted from: Sarah Buel, Esq., in "Courts and Communities: Confronting Violence in the Family," Conference Highlights, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 1994.

What Is A Safety Plan?

Every individual in an abusive relationship needs a safety plan. The District of Columbia Coalition Against Domestic Violence has published a wallet-sized card that gives names and phone numbers of shelters, legal services, and support groups, and lists basic ele-ments of a safety plan. (The number is listed in the back.) Shelters and crisis counselors have been urging safety plans for years, and police departments, victim services, hospitals, and courts have adopted this strategy. Safety plans should be individualized -- for example, taking account of age, marital status, whether children are involved, geographic location, and resoumes available -- but still contain common elements.

When creating a safety plan:

What Can Each Of Us Do?

Pages 9 and 10 adapted from: "Preventing Domestic Violence" by Laura Crites in Prevention Communiaue. March 1992, Crime Prevention Division, Department of the Attorney General, Hawaii.

What Can Communities Do To Prevent Domestic Violence

Adapted from: "Preventing Violence Against Women: Not Just A Women's Issue," the National Crime prevention Council, 1995.

Domestic Violence and The Workplace

As awareness about domestic violence has grown, so has the recogni-tion that this crime has a major impact in the workplace. The abuse an employee receives at home can lead to lost productivity, higher stress, increased absenteeism and higher health care costs. A 1994 survey of senior corporate executives conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide on behalf of Liz Claiborne, Inc. found that:

To ensure that the Federal government will be a leader in educating employees about the serious implications of domestic violence, President Clinton has directed the heads of every Federal department to conduct employee awareness campaigns on the issue. Similar programs are under-way in corporate America, led by companies such as the Polaroid Corporation, MarshalIs Inc., Liz Claiborne Inc., and Aetna.

Where Can I Get Help?

This resource book is another step in the Federal Employee Aware-ness Campaign on Domestic Violence, the goal of which is to educate and foster awareness about domestic violence for United States government employees worldwide.

Through this campaign, we hope to put people in touch with resources, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and publications which will be helpful in combatting the crime of domestic violence. On February 21, 1996, President Clinton announced a nationwide, 24-hour, toll-free domestic violence hotline. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE and the TDD number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-787-3224. Help is also available to callers in Spanish and to other non-English speakers.

The hotline provides immediate crisis intervention for those in need. Callers can receive counseling and be referred directly to help in their communities, including emergency services and shelters. Also, operators can offer information and referrals, counseling and assistance in reporting abuse to survivors of domestic violence, family members, neighbors, and the general public.

In many areas, them are local domestic violence agencies which can provide crisis services such as shelter, counseling, and legal assistance. These numbers can be obtained from state or regional coalitions, from the phone book, or by calling information.

Your department's Employee Assistance Program can also provide you with assistance and referrals, support groups, counseling and other services.

This booklet contains a list of state, regional, and national resoumes which can be of assistance.


STATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COALITIONS

ORGANIZATIONPHONE/FAX NUMBERS
Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
130 Seward Street, Room 501
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 586-3650
(907) 463-4493 fax
Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence
P.O. Box 4762
Montgomery, AL 36101
(334) 832-4842
(334) 832-4803 fax
Arkansas Cnalition Against Domestic Violence
523 South Louisiana, Suite 230
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 399-9486
(501) 371-0450 fax
Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence
100 West Camelback Road, Suite 109
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 279-2900
(602) 279-2980 fax
California Alliance Against Domestic Violence
619 13th Street, Suite 1
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 524-1888
(209) 524-0616 fax
Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition (303) 573-9018
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
135 Broad Street
Hartford, CT 06105
(860) 524 5890
(860) 249-1408 fax
D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence
IZO. Bnx 76069
Washington, D.C. 20013
(202) 783-5332
(202) 387-5684 fax
Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence
RO. Box 847
Wilmington, DE 19899
(302) 658 2958
(302) 658-5049 fax
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
1535 C-5 Killearn Center Boulevard
Tallahassee. FL 32308
HOTLINE: 1-800-500-1119
(904) 668-0364 fax
(904) 668-6862
Georgia Advocates For Battered Women and Children
250 Georgia Avenue, S.E. Suite 308
Atlanta, GA 30312
HOTLINE: 1-800-643-1212
(404) 524-3847
(404) 524-5959 fax
Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
98-939 Moanalua Road
Aiea, HI 96701-5012
(808) 486-5072
(808) 486-5169 fax
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1540 High Street, Suite IBO
Dos Moines, IA 50309 3123
HOTLINE: 1-800-942-0333
(515) 244 8028
(515) 244-7417 fax
Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
200 North Fourth Street, Suite 10-K
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 384-0419
(208) 331-0687 fax
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
730 East Vine Street, Suite 109
Springfield, Illinois 62703
(217) 789 2830
(217) 739-1939 fax
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2511 E. 461h Street, Suite N-3
Indianapolis, IN 46205
HOTLINE: 1-800 332-7385
(317) 543-3908
(317) 568-4045 fax
Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
820 S.E. Quincy, Suite 416
Topeka, KS 66612
(913) 232-9784
(913) 232-9937 fax
Kentucky Domestic Violence Association
P.O. Box 356
Frankfort, KY 40602
(502) 875-4132
(502) 875-4268 fax
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
P.O. Box 3053
Hammond, LA 70404-3053
(504) 542-4446
(504) 542-6561 fax
Massachusetts Coalition of Battered Women's
Service Groups/Jan Doe Safety Fund
14 Beacon Street, Suite 507
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 248-0922
(617) 248-0902
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
11501 Georgia Avenue, Suite403
Silver Spring, MD. 20902-1955
HOTLINE: 1-800-MD-HELPS
(301) 942-0900
(301) 929-2589 fax
Maine Coalition For Family Crisis Services
128Main Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 941-I 194
(207) 941-1194 fax
Michigan Coalition Against Domestic Violence
P.O. Box 16009
Lansing, MI 48901
(517) 484-2924
(517) 372-0024 fax
Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women
450 North Syndicate Street, Suite 122
St. Paul, MN 55104
HOTLINE: 1-800-646-0994 (in 612 area code)
(573) 646-6177
(573) 646-1527 fax
Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence
331 Madison Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
(314) 634-4161
(314) 636-3728 fax
Mississippi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
P,O. Box 4703
Jackson, MS 39296-4703
HOTLINE: 1- (800) 898-3234
(601) 981-9196
(601) 982-7372 fax
Montana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
PO Box 633
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 443-7794
(406) 449-8193 fax
Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition 315 South 9th - # 18
Lincoln, NE 68508-2253
HOTLINE: 1-800-876-6238
(402) 476-6256
New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
RO. Box 353
Concord, NH 03302-0353
HOTLINE: 1-800-852-3388
(603) 224-8893
(603) 228-6096 fax
New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women
2620 Whitehorse/Hamilton Square Road
Trenton, NI 08690
HOTLINE: for Battered Lesbians: 1-g00-224-0211 (in NJ only)
(609) 584-8107
(609) 584-9750 fax
New Mexico State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
RO. Box 25363
Albuquerque, NM 87125
HOTLINE: 1-800-773-3645 (in NM only)
(505) 246-9240
(505) 246-9434 fax
Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence
2100 Capurro Way, Suite E
Sparks. NV 89431
HOTLINE: 1-800-500-1556
(702) 358- 1171
(702) 358-0546 fax
New York Slate Coalition Against Domestic Violence
79 Central Avenue
Albany. NY 122{16
HOTLINE: 1-800-942-6906
(518) 432-4864
(518) 432-4864 fax
Norlb Carolina Coalition Against Domeslie Violence
P.O. Box 51875
Durham, NC 27717
(919) 956-9124
(919) 682 1449 fax
North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services
State Networking Office
418 East Russet Avenue, Suite 320
Bismarck, ND 58501
HOTLINE: 1-800-472-2911
(701) 255-6240
(701) 255-1904 fax
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
4041 Noah High Street, Suite 101
Columbus, OH 43214
HOTLINE: 1-800-934-9840
(614) 784-0023
(614) 784-0(133 fax
Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and
Sexual Assault
2200 N Classen BIrd. - Suite 610
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
HOTLINE: 1-800 522 9054
(405) 557-1210
(405) 557-1296 fax
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
520 N.W. Davis, Suite 31{)
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 223-7411
(51)3) 223-7490 fax
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence/
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300
Harrisburg, PA 17112
HOTLINE: 1-800-932-4632
(717) 545-6400
(717) 545-9456 fax
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence
422 Post Road, Suite 1(14
Warwick, RI 02888
HOTLINE: 1-800-494-8100
(401) 467 9940
(401) 467-9943 fax
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence &Sexual Assault
PO. Box 7776
Columbia, SC 29202-7776
HOTLINE: 1-800-260-9293
(803) 750-1246 fax
(803) 750-1222
South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault
PO Box 141
Pierre, SD 57401
HOTLINE: 1-800~572-9196
(605) 945-0869
(605) 945-0870 fax
Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence
RO. Box 120972
NasbvilLe, TN 37212
HOTLINE: 1-800-356-6767
(615) 386-9406
(615 ) 383-2967 fax
Texas Council on Family Violence
8701 North Mopac Expressway, Suite 450
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 794- [ 133
(512) 794 1199 fax
Domestic Violence Advisory Council
120 North 200 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84145
HOTLINE: 1-800 897 LINK
(801) 538-4100
(801) 538-3993fax
Virginians Against Domestic Violence 2850 Sandy Bay Road, Suite 101 Williamsburg, VA 23185 HOTLINE: 1-800-838-VADV (804) 221-0990 (804) 229-1553 fax
Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault P.O. Box 405 Montpelier, VT 05601 (802) 223-1302 (802) 223-6943 fax
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2101 4thAvenue, E - Suite 103 Olympia, WA 98506 HOTLINE: 1-800-562-6025 (separate org. from above) (360) 352-4029 (360) 352-4078 fax
Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence 1400 East Washington Avenue, Suite 232 Madison, WI 53703 (608) 255-0539 (608) 255-3560 fax
West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence 181B Main Sweet P.O. Box 85 Sutton, WVA 26601 (304) 765-2250 (304) 765-5071 fax
Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence &Sexual Assault
341 East E. Street - Suite 135A
Pinedale, WY 82601
HOTLINE: 1-800-990-3877
(307) 367-4296
(307) 235-4796 fax
Other Regional Organizations
Interagency Council
Domestic Violence Program
2180 McCulloch BIrd.
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(520) 453-5800
(520) 453-2787 tax
Southern CA Coalition on Battered Women
P.O. Box 5036
Santa Menlea, CA 90405
HOTLINE: 1-800-978-3600
(213) 655 6098
(213) 655-6098 fax
Delaware Domestic Violence
Coordinating Council
900 King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 577-2684
(302) 577-6022 fax
Georgia Coalition on Family Violence, Inc.
1827 Powers Ferry Rd., Bldg. 3 - Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 984-0085
(770) 984-0068 fax
Victim's Services Domestic Violence Program
P.O. Box 157 McComb, IL61455
(309) 837-6622 (309) 836-3640 fax
Maryland Alliance Against Family Violence
University of Maryland
525 W. Redwood Sweet
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 545-4545
(410) 706-6046 fax
Otter Tail County Intervention Project
Box 815
Fergus Falls, MN 56538
(218) 739-0983
Region IV Council on Domestic Violence
Traverse County Outreach
1112 1st Avenue N.
Wheaten, MN 56296
(612) 563-4121
North Carolina Victim Assistance Network
505 Oberlin Road, Suite 151
Raleigh, NC 27605
(919) 831-2857
(919) 831-0824 fax
Action Ohio Coalition for Battered Women
P.O. Box 15673
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 221-1255
(614) 221-6357 fax
Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center
PO Box 398
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-7187 (crisis)
(605) 244-0256 (bus.)
White Buffalo Calf Women's Shelter P.O. Box 227
Mission, SD 57555
(605) 856-2317
(605) 856-2994 fax
Women's Coalition of St, Croix
Box 2734
Christiansted St, Croix, VI 00822
(809) 773-9272
(809) 773-9062 fax
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewaw
Homeless Shelter/Family Violence Programs
P.O. Box 529
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3707
(715) 779-3711 fax
Anti-Violence Project
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
2320 17th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-2702
(202) 332-6483
(202) 332-0207 fax
(202) 332-6219
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORGANIZATIONS
Family Violence Prevention Fund
383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
(415) 252-8900
(415) 252 8991 fax
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Policy Office
P.O. Box 34103
Washington, D.C. 20043-4103
(703) 765-0339
(202) 628 4899 fax
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
P.O. Box 18749
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 839-1852
(303) 831-9251 fax
National Battered Women's Law Project
275 7th Avenue, Suite 1206
New York, NY 10001
(212) 741-9480
(212) 741-6438 fax
National Resource Center on DV
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(800) 537-2238
(717) 545-9546 fax
Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence
Family Violence Prevention Fund
383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
(800) 313-1310
(415 ) 252-8991 fax
Battered Women's Justice Project
Minnesota Program Development, Inc.
4032 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
HOTLINE 1-(800)-903-011 ext. 1
(612) 824-8768
(612) 824-8965 fax
Resource Center on Child Custody and Child Protection
NCJFCJ
P.O. Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
(800) 527-3223
(702) 784-6160 fax
Battered Women's Justice Project
c/o National Clearinghouse for the
Defense of Battered Women
125 South 9th Street, Suite 302
Philadelphia, PA 19107
HOTLINE 1- (800) 903-0111 ext. 3
(215) 351-0010
(215) 351-0779 fax
National Clearinghouse on Marital and Date Rape
2325 Oak Street
Berkeley, CA 94708
(510) 524-1582
Center for the Prevention of Sexual and
Domestic Violence
936 North 34th Street, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 634-1903
(206) 634-0115 fax
National Network to End Domestic Violence -
Administrative Office
c/o Texas Council on Family Violence
8701 North Mopac Expressway, Suite 450
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 794-1133
(512) 794-1199 fax
Battered Women's Justice Project
c/o PCADV - Legal Office
524 McKnight Street
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 373-5697
(610) 373-6403 fax
National Network to End Domestic Violence
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20004
HOTLINE: I (800) 903-0111 ext. 3
(202) 434-7405
(202) 434-7400 fax

Back to Domestic Violence

This document was last updated on April 19, 2001