Domestic abuse takes many forms. The following are examples of abusive behaviors. If you suspect abuse but do not witness one of these behaviors, do not discount it. Peace River Center Victim Services offers a free and confidential 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at:

• 863.386.1167 Highlands and Hardee Counties
• 863.413.2700 Polk County

Verbal Abuse 
Does your partner say things that shame, ridicule, or insult you:

• You’re stupid, fat, ugly, etc.
• You can’t do anything right.
• You’ll never get a job.
• You’re an unfit parent.
• You don’t deserve anything.
• Who would want you?

Emotional/Psychological/Mental Abuse
Does your partner do any of the following:

• Accuse you of having affairs
• Keep you from family and friends
• Confuse you with promises and lies
• Take your keys or damage your car
• Take or destroy important papers

Does your partner alarm you or make you feel uncomfortable by mistreating your pet:

• Not allow pet to receive care and food
• Intentionally hit, kick or throw pet
• Injure pet as a threat to you or your children

Financial Abuse
Does your partner control your ability to access money:

• Forbid you to work
• Forbid you to have money unless it is for a specific purchase, requiring detailed documentation after the purchase
• Require that you give up your paycheck

Sexual Abuse
Does your partner do the following:

• Force you to have sex
• Force you into unwanted sexual practices
• Criticize your sexual performance
• Force you to have sex with others
• Withhold sex and affection as a tool to manipulate your behavior

Physical Abuse
Does your partner do any of the following:

• Hit, slap, shove, strangle, kick you or your children
• Threaten or hurt you with a weapon
• Throw objects at you

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, seek help before it’s too late. You don’t have to come into the domestic violence shelter to receive services; we also offer community-based domestic violence support and help, including safety planning. Give our office a call today, 863.413.2708 or if needed call Peace River Center’s 24-hour domestic violence crisis lines:

• 863.386.1167 Highlands and Hardee Counties
• 863.413.2700 Polk County

Abuse is never your fault. Support is one call away. You have local resources who can help you begin a new, violence-free life.