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| DOMESTIC VIOLENCE |
Domestic Violence can be defined as any abuse that takes place between two or more people in the same household. However, in Ohio the criminal statute regulates domestic violence to that of physical abuse, or the threat of physical abuse.
Emotional abuse should not be dismissed as "nothing" and is often a precursor abuse to domestic violence, or used in conjunction with physical abuse. Violence can be criminal and includes physical 
assaults on a person, like hitting, pushing, and shoving. Assaults can also come in the form of sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity. Stalking is also a common form of abuse, where one person follows and harasses another, causing the fear of potential harm. Threats may even be made during stalking episodes. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence.
DID YOU KNOW?
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The Ohio Revised Code articulates the following criminal statutes which are often used in domestic violence cases. These include:
ORC 2919.25 - |
Domestic Violence |
(A) No person shall knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm to a family or household member. (B) No person shall recklessly cause serious physical harm to a family or household member. (C) No person, by threat of force, shall knowingly cause a family or household member to believe that the offender will cause imminent physical harm to the family or household member. |
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ORC 2903.211 - |
Menacing by Stalking |
(A)(1) No person by engaging in a pattern of conduct shall knowingly cause another person to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or cause mental distress to the other person. (2) No person, through the use of any electronic method of remotely transferring information, including, but not limited to, any computer, computer network, computer program, or computer system, shall post a message with purpose to urge or incite another to commit a violation of division (A)(1) of this section. (3) No person, with a sexual motivation, shall violate division (A)(1) or (2) of this section.
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ORC 2917.27 - |
Violating a Temporary Protection Order |
(A) No person shall recklessly violate the terms of any of the following: (1) A protection order issued or consent agreement approved pursuant to section 2919.26 or 3113.31 of the Revised Code; (2) A protection order issued pursuant to section 2151.34 , 2903.213 , or 2903.214 of the Revised Code;
(3) A protection order issued by a court of another state. |
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Our agency takes domestic violence cases very serious. We understand that many times the issue we respond to isn't the first issue or incident of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse often escalates from threats and verbal abuse to violence. And while physical injury may be the most obvious danger, the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are also severe. Emotionally abusive relationships can destroy your self-worth, lead to anxiety and depression, and make you feel helpless and alone. No one should have to endure this kind of pain—and your first step to breaking free is recognizing that your situation is abusive. Once you acknowledge the reality of the abusive situation, then you can get the help you need.
CIRCLE OF VIOLENCE
The circle of violence shows a typical pattern of abuse and helps associate the types of abuse with certain behavoirs. 
It is essential for victims of domestic violence to understand the different types of abuse and the pattern. We know from responding to these types of calls that it happens many times before it is even reported the first time.
How many times does it have to happen before you leave? How many broken promises of change need to be made? When do you draw the line for the abuse? Is it the 5th time? Or when the children are being abused? No one should judge the victim for making some of the decisions to stay, but one cannot get better in the same old situation. Use your support links like friends, victim advocacy groups, and the police to help you with your decision to leave!