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Violence and abuse affect all kinds of people every day. It doesn't matter what race or culture you come from, how much money you have, or if you have a disability. It is most common among women between ages 15 and 54, but it can happen at any age. Learn more about how to know the signs of violence and abuse. Learn how to stay safe. If you are being abused or have a loved one who is abused, or think there is abuse, get help as soon as you can. Remember abuse can be physical, mental, and emotional.

This specialty page will provide you with information on all of these types of violence against women, including specific resources for each type of violence and information on how to get help. One important part of getting help is knowing if you are in an abusive relationship. Sometimes it can be difficult and confusing to admit that you are in an abusive relationship. But, there are clear signs to help you know if you are being abused.

Violence against women in any form is a crime, regardless of who committed the violent act. It is always wrong, whether the abuser is a family member; someone you date; a current or past spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend; an acquaintance; or a stranger. You are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur, and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else. If you or someone you know has been sexually, physically, or emotionally abused, seek help from other family members and friends or community organizations. Reach out for support or counseling. Talk with a health care provider, especially if you have been physically hurt. Learn how to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse before you find yourself in an uncomfortable or threatening situation.

Last updated: October 2004

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Publications

1.   A Lifetime of Good Health: Your Guide to Staying Healthy - This guide to staying healthy contains information on women's health needs to live long and well throughout the years. Although there are genetic risks that you cannot control for many diseases, there are risks that you can overcome by following the key preventive steps included in the guide.
   http://www.4woman.gov/pub/PG.English.pdf
2.   Alcohol Alert # 38 Alcohol, Violence, and Aggression - This publication provides statistical data and research regarding the use of alcohol and the prevalence of alcohol related violence and aggression.
   http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa38.htm
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Violence Against Women Webpage, The - This web page provides a list of domestic violence resources as well as their recommendation to physicians about intimate partner violence screening tools.
   http://www.acog.org/from_home/departments/dept_web.cfm?recno=17
4.   Closing the Gap: Violence - This newsletter provides links to numerous federal fact sheets containing supportive information, statistics, and initiatives under way to eliminate domestic violence.
   http://www.omhrc.gov/ctg/ctg-viol.htm
5.   HHS Fact Sheet: Preventing Violence Against Women - This publication is about government initiatives to prevent violence against women. Topics discussed include the Violence Against Women Act, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, and other government programs.
   http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2001pres/01fsdomviolence.html

Organizations

1.   Division of Violence Prevention, NCIPC, CDC, OPHS, HHS
   http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/dvp.htm
2. National Center for Victims of Crime
   http://www.ncvc.org
3. National Domestic Violence Hotline
   http://www.ndvh.org/
4. National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center
   http://www.vawprevention.org/index.html
5.   Office for Victims of Crime
   http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc
6.   Office on Violence Against Women, OJP, DOJ
   http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/
7. Partnerships Against Violence Network
   http://www.pavnet.org

= Indicates Federal Resources