Domestic Violence Sourcebook, 7th Ed.

Domestic violence is a form of violence that happens within a domestic relationship. The victims of domestic violence include women and men and people of every age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and economic level. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), millions of Americans are affected by sexual violence (SV), stalking, and intimate partner violence (IPV) every year. The U.S. Congress has recognized it as an important social problem and has passed a number of acts related to violence against women to stem this tide.

Domestic Violence Sourcebook, Seventh Edition offers information to victims of domestic violence and to those who care about them. It defines domestic abuse, describes the risk factors for abuse, and offers tips for recognizing abuse. It describes the different types of abuses, including rape, physical violence, emotional and verbal abuse, stalking, and human trafficking. Information about abuse in specific populations—including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) communities; immigrant communities; children and elderly populations; and within the military—is also provided. In addition, the book discusses tips for building healthy relationships and intervening in abusive situations. It also offers detailed guidelines for managing emergency situations; protecting oneself before, during, and after a separation from an abuser; navigating the legal system; and preventing workplace violence. The book concludes with a glossary of related terms and directories of resources for additional help and information.

Part 1: Facts about Domestic Violence provides basic information about what domestic violence is, which characteristics and situations place victims at risk, and how victims, abusers, and those wanting to help can identify abuse. It also provides information about different types of intimate partner abuse.

Part 2: Abuse in Specific Populations provides information about child abuse, teen dating violence, abuse of men, elder abuse, and abuse in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population. It also describes the special issues involved when the abuse occurs within the military or when the abuse occurs within the immigrant community. The part concludes with a discussion of human trafficking and the types of assistance available to its victims.

Part 3: Effects of Domestic Violence describes situations when abuse turns deadly, the physical, emotional, and socioeconomic effects of domestic violence. It also describes the effect domestic violence has on children and discusses the consequences of child abuse.

Part 4: Preventing and Intervening in Domestic Violence explains how to recognize and build healthy relationships. It also discusses how parents, caretakers, friends, coworkers, health-care providers, and others can intervene in cases of abuse. Moreover, it describes measures employers can take to prevent violence in the workplace.

Part 5: Emergency Management, Moving Out, and Moving On discusses why victims stay with their abusers and details what victims will need to know if they decide to leave. It explains the steps involved in calling the police, preserving, and collecting evidence, and documenting abuse. It also provides detailed information about Internet safety and identity protection and describes how to navigate the legal system.

Part 6: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of terms related to domestic violence and directories of resources offering additional help and information.