Domestic Violence Support in Los Angeles, California

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is the abuse by force of an intimate partner or boyfriend/girlfriend. Domestic Violence can include physical abuse sexual abusive behaviors, such as psychological belittlement to gain power over the other person.

Many times, the perpetrator will convince the victims that it is the victim’s fault they are being abused. The perpetrator will then try to apologize and do nice things to regain the victim’s trust before they act out again. It is a vicious cycle that is present in every race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. In many instances, children are also threatened from the domestic violence situations.

TRAUMA BONDING

What Is It?

A strong emotional attachment between an abused person and his or her abuser, formed as a result of the cycle of violence. Trauma bonding is loyalty to a person who is destructive. While the idea of bonding tends to bring up connotations of something good and beneficial, trauma bonds are unhealthy.

Where to Find Help?

If you or someone you know has been a victim of Domestic Violence, there is help out for you. Please remember that it is never your fault, and you can survive.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline:

• 1800-799-SAFE
• 911

Test Your Self!

Test your knowledge about domestic Violence by answering the following questions:

1. Domestic Violence only occurs in bad parts of town.
   1. True
   2. False
2. Domestic abuse can adversely affect children in the household.
   1. True
   2. False
3. Partners only become violent when their significant other has done something to deserve it.
   1. True
   2. False
4. A man cannot be a victim of Domestic Violence.
   1. True
   2. False

WE ARE SUPPORTED BY THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE OF WOMEN’S HEALTH.

Support Services:

• Intakes
• Assessment
• Domestic Violence Education Class
• Life Skills Group
• Support Group
• Parenting
• Individual

You have the decision to change your life and your children’s future.

We Accept Referrals From:

• Therapy
• Health Care
• Gain
• Jobs
• Legal Help

If you are a victim of domestic violence and are not a citizen (undocumented or have a temporary legal status) but have children, you may be eligible to apply for immigration status for yourself and children confidentially under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Domestic Violence affects our children:

• Dramatic behavioral changes
• Aggressiveness
• Uncooperativeness
• Bedwetting or loss of bowel control
• Distractive or anti-social behavior
• Lack of self-confidence

You may also download our brochure here.

Answer Key:

1. b
2. a
3. b
4. b