Domestic violence is abuse which happens in a relationship.

Just as with abuse, aggression can take many forms, such as: 
 

Physical: When your partner hits, kicks, punches or hurts you physically in any way.
 

Emotional: When your partner controls you by saying or doing things which may you feel down about yourself.
 

Sexual: Making someone do sexual things that they do not want to, including rape.
 

It Doesn't Have to Happen Regularly
 

Abuse or aggression does not have to happen regularly. It can happen just once in a while. And after an abuse happens, the other person may go out of his/her way in being nice and promising that it won't happen it again... But unfortunately, the abuse usually does happen again...
 

Abuse Can Start at Any Time
 

The abuse also doesn't have to start off at the beginning of the relationship. Usually the abuser is sweet and charming in the beginning. But over time, the abuser may show subtle signs of controlling the other person, such as by needing to know the other person's whereabouts, or by being extremely jealous.
 

Abuse is always wrong
 

You have a right to safety, respect, and a life free from harm by others. Abuse and domestic violence is not only wrong but is also against the law.
 
And although abusers are often very good at blaming their victims for the abuse, the abuse is always the abuser's responsibility.

It is NEVER your fault.

Myths and Facts about Abuse

Unfortunately, guilt and shame often keeps victims in an abusive relationship; it stops them from getting help from themselves.
 
Myth:

I deserve it. I'm not a perfect person myself.
Fact:

It is true; maybe you aren't a perfect person yourself, but there nothing you do deserves abuse.
 
Myth:

If I stay, I can help him/her to work it out.
Fact:

You are a partner, not a therapist. And the longer you stay in an abusive relationship, the less motivation the other person has to change. If you really want to change the abuser's behaviours, then get out of the relationship.
 
Myth:

We have to stay together for the kids.
Fact:

If you really care about your kids, the best thing you can possibly do is get out of an abusive relationship.

If you stay together in an abusive relationship, then you increase the chance that you or your kids will get seriously harmed at some point.

Furthermore, your kids will only learn that abusive relationships are normal, which will make it more likely that your kids will have abusive relationships when they grow up. 

If your boys are watching their father be abusive, then it is more likely that they will grow up to be abusers.

If your girls are watching their mother be abused, then it is more likely they will be abused when they grow up.