Why Do People Abuse | The National Domestic Violence Hotline

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-US"> <head>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-WQZBBNW');</script>  <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, viewport-fit=cover" /> <script>['js','m4n'].forEach(function(attr){document.documentElement.setAttribute(attr,'')})</script> <link rel="preload" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/fonts/icomoon/fonts/icomoon.woff?1595888196" as="font" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/fonts/gotham/gotham-300.woff2" as="font" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/fonts/gotham/gotham-400.woff2" as="font" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/fonts/gotham/gotham-700.woff2" as="font" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/fonts/gotham/gotham-800.woff2" as="font" crossorigin> <link rel="icon" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/images/favicon-ndvh.svg"> <meta name='robots' content='index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-snippet:-1, max-video-preview:-1' />  <title>Why Do People Abuse | The National Domestic Violence Hotline</title> <meta name="description" content="Why do people abuse? Being abusive is the strategic decision by a partner to create power & control. Domestic violence can happen to anyone." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/" /> <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US" /> <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Why People Abuse" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Why do people abuse? Being abusive is the strategic decision by a partner to create power & control. Domestic violence can happen to anyone." /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="The Hotline" /> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="2023-12-15T19:23:17+00:00" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1198758362-hotline-700x560-1.png" /> <meta property="og:image:width" content="700" /> <meta property="og:image:height" content="560" /> <meta property="og:image:type" content="image/png" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <script type="application/ld+json" class="yoast-schema-graph">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/","url":"https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/","name":"Why Do People Abuse | The National Domestic Violence Hotline","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.thehotline.org/#website"},"datePublished":"2020-08-25T22:50:25+00:00","dateModified":"2023-12-15T19:23:17+00:00","description":"Why do people abuse? Being abusive is the strategic decision by a partner to create power & control. Domestic violence can happen to anyone.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.thehotline.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Identify Abuse","item":"https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Why People Abuse"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://www.thehotline.org/#website","url":"https://www.thehotline.org/","name":"The Hotline","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.thehotline.org/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}</script>  <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="The Hotline » Feed" href="https://www.thehotline.org/feed/" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="The Hotline » Comments Feed" href="https://www.thehotline.org/comments/feed/" />  <script src="//www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-Q03F376XPR" data-cfasync="false" data-wpfc-render="false" async></script> <script data-cfasync="false" data-wpfc-render="false"> var mi_version = '8.27.0'; var mi_track_user = true; var mi_no_track_reason = ''; var MonsterInsightsDefaultLocations = {"page_location":"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/identify-abuse\/why-do-people-abuse\/","page_referrer":"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/identify-abuse\/"}; if ( typeof MonsterInsightsPrivacyGuardFilter === 'function' ) { var MonsterInsightsLocations = (typeof MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery === 'object') ? MonsterInsightsPrivacyGuardFilter( MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery ) : MonsterInsightsPrivacyGuardFilter( MonsterInsightsDefaultLocations ); } else { var MonsterInsightsLocations = (typeof MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery === 'object') ? MonsterInsightsExcludeQuery : MonsterInsightsDefaultLocations; } var disableStrs = [ 'ga-disable-G-Q03F376XPR', ]; /* Function to detect opted out users */ function __gtagTrackerIsOptedOut() { for (var index = 0; index < disableStrs.length; index++) { if (document.cookie.indexOf(disableStrs[index] + '=true') > -1) { return true; } } return false; } /* Disable tracking if the opt-out cookie exists. */ if (__gtagTrackerIsOptedOut()) { for (var index = 0; index < disableStrs.length; index++) { window[disableStrs[index]] = true; } } /* Opt-out function */ function __gtagTrackerOptout() { for (var index = 0; index < disableStrs.length; index++) { document.cookie = disableStrs[index] + '=true; expires=Thu, 31 Dec 2099 23:59:59 UTC; path=/'; window[disableStrs[index]] = true; } } if ('undefined' === typeof gaOptout) { function gaOptout() { __gtagTrackerOptout(); } } window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.MonsterInsightsDualTracker = { helpers: {}, trackers: {}, }; if (mi_track_user) { function __gtagDataLayer() { dataLayer.push(arguments); } function __gtagTracker(type, name, parameters) { if (!parameters) { parameters = {}; } if (parameters.send_to) { __gtagDataLayer.apply(null, arguments); return; } if (type === 'event') { parameters.send_to = monsterinsights_frontend.v4_id; var hookName = name; if (typeof parameters['event_category'] !== 'undefined') { hookName = parameters['event_category'] + ':' + name; } if (typeof MonsterInsightsDualTracker.trackers[hookName] !== 'undefined') { MonsterInsightsDualTracker.trackers[hookName](parameters); } else { __gtagDataLayer('event', name, parameters); } } else { __gtagDataLayer.apply(null, arguments); } } __gtagTracker('js', new Date()); __gtagTracker('set', { 'developer_id.dZGIzZG': true, }); if ( MonsterInsightsLocations.page_location ) { __gtagTracker('set', MonsterInsightsLocations); } __gtagTracker('config', 'G-Q03F376XPR', {"forceSSL":"true","link_attribution":"true"} ); window.gtag = __gtagTracker; (function () { /* https://developers.google.com/analytics/devguides/collection/analyticsjs/ */ /* ga and __gaTracker compatibility shim. */ var noopfn = function () { return null; }; var newtracker = function () { return new Tracker(); }; var Tracker = function () { return null; }; var p = Tracker.prototype; p.get = noopfn; p.set = noopfn; p.send = function () { var args = Array.prototype.slice.call(arguments); args.unshift('send'); __gaTracker.apply(null, args); }; var __gaTracker = function () { var len = arguments.length; if (len === 0) { return; } var f = arguments[len - 1]; if (typeof f !== 'object' || f === null || typeof f.hitCallback !== 'function') { if ('send' === arguments[0]) { var hitConverted, hitObject = false, action; if ('event' === arguments[1]) { if ('undefined' !== typeof arguments[3]) { hitObject = { 'eventAction': arguments[3], 'eventCategory': arguments[2], 'eventLabel': arguments[4], 'value': arguments[5] ? arguments[5] : 1, } } } if ('pageview' === arguments[1]) { if ('undefined' !== typeof arguments[2]) { hitObject = { 'eventAction': 'page_view', 'page_path': arguments[2], } } } if (typeof arguments[2] === 'object') { hitObject = arguments[2]; } if (typeof arguments[5] === 'object') { Object.assign(hitObject, arguments[5]); } if ('undefined' !== typeof arguments[1].hitType) { hitObject = arguments[1]; if ('pageview' === hitObject.hitType) { hitObject.eventAction = 'page_view'; } } if (hitObject) { action = 'timing' === arguments[1].hitType ? 'timing_complete' : hitObject.eventAction; hitConverted = mapArgs(hitObject); __gtagTracker('event', action, hitConverted); } } return; } function mapArgs(args) { var arg, hit = {}; var gaMap = { 'eventCategory': 'event_category', 'eventAction': 'event_action', 'eventLabel': 'event_label', 'eventValue': 'event_value', 'nonInteraction': 'non_interaction', 'timingCategory': 'event_category', 'timingVar': 'name', 'timingValue': 'value', 'timingLabel': 'event_label', 'page': 'page_path', 'location': 'page_location', 'title': 'page_title', 'referrer' : 'page_referrer', }; for (arg in args) { if (!(!args.hasOwnProperty(arg) || !gaMap.hasOwnProperty(arg))) { hit[gaMap[arg]] = args[arg]; } else { hit[arg] = args[arg]; } } return hit; } try { f.hitCallback(); } catch (ex) { } }; __gaTracker.create = newtracker; __gaTracker.getByName = newtracker; __gaTracker.getAll = function () { return []; }; __gaTracker.remove = noopfn; __gaTracker.loaded = true; window['__gaTracker'] = __gaTracker; })(); } else { console.log(""); (function () { function __gtagTracker() { return null; } window['__gtagTracker'] = __gtagTracker; window['gtag'] = __gtagTracker; })(); } </script>  <style id='safe-svg-svg-icon-style-inline-css'> .safe-svg-cover{text-align:center}.safe-svg-cover .safe-svg-inside{display:inline-block;max-width:100%}.safe-svg-cover svg{height:100%;max-height:100%;max-width:100%;width:100%} </style> <style id='classic-theme-styles-inline-css'> /*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} </style> <style id='global-styles-inline-css'> :root{--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--square: 1;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--4-3: 4/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-4: 3/4;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--3-2: 3/2;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--2-3: 2/3;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--16-9: 16/9;--wp--preset--aspect-ratio--9-16: 9/16;--wp--preset--color--black: #000000;--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray: #abb8c3;--wp--preset--color--white: #ffffff;--wp--preset--color--pale-pink: #f78da7;--wp--preset--color--vivid-red: #cf2e2e;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange: #ff6900;--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber: #fcb900;--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan: #7bdcb5;--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan: #00d084;--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue: #8ed1fc;--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue: #0693e3;--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple: #9b51e0;--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(6,147,227,1) 0%,rgb(155,81,224) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(122,220,180) 0%,rgb(0,208,130) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(252,185,0,1) 0%,rgba(255,105,0,1) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red: linear-gradient(135deg,rgba(255,105,0,1) 0%,rgb(207,46,46) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(238,238,238) 0%,rgb(169,184,195) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(74,234,220) 0%,rgb(151,120,209) 20%,rgb(207,42,186) 40%,rgb(238,44,130) 60%,rgb(251,105,98) 80%,rgb(254,248,76) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,206,236) 0%,rgb(152,150,240) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(254,205,165) 0%,rgb(254,45,45) 50%,rgb(107,0,62) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,203,112) 0%,rgb(199,81,192) 50%,rgb(65,88,208) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(255,245,203) 0%,rgb(182,227,212) 50%,rgb(51,167,181) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(202,248,128) 0%,rgb(113,206,126) 100%);--wp--preset--gradient--midnight: linear-gradient(135deg,rgb(2,3,129) 0%,rgb(40,116,252) 100%);--wp--preset--font-size--small: 13px;--wp--preset--font-size--medium: 20px;--wp--preset--font-size--large: 36px;--wp--preset--font-size--x-large: 42px;--wp--preset--spacing--20: 0.44rem;--wp--preset--spacing--30: 0.67rem;--wp--preset--spacing--40: 1rem;--wp--preset--spacing--50: 1.5rem;--wp--preset--spacing--60: 2.25rem;--wp--preset--spacing--70: 3.38rem;--wp--preset--spacing--80: 5.06rem;--wp--preset--shadow--natural: 6px 6px 9px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--deep: 12px 12px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);--wp--preset--shadow--sharp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);--wp--preset--shadow--outlined: 6px 6px 0px -3px rgba(255, 255, 255, 1), 6px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);--wp--preset--shadow--crisp: 6px 6px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 1);}:where(.is-layout-flex){gap: 0.5em;}:where(.is-layout-grid){gap: 0.5em;}body .is-layout-flex{display: flex;}.is-layout-flex{flex-wrap: wrap;align-items: center;}.is-layout-flex > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}body .is-layout-grid{display: grid;}.is-layout-grid > :is(*, div){margin: 0;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;}.has-black-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-color{color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-background-color{background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-black-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--black) !important;}.has-cyan-bluish-gray-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-white-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--white) !important;}.has-pale-pink-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-pink) !important;}.has-vivid-red-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-red) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--luminous-vivid-amber) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--light-green-cyan) !important;}.has-vivid-green-cyan-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-pale-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--pale-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-cyan-blue) !important;}.has-vivid-purple-border-color{border-color: var(--wp--preset--color--vivid-purple) !important;}.has-vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--vivid-cyan-blue-to-vivid-purple) !important;}.has-light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--light-green-cyan-to-vivid-green-cyan) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-amber-to-luminous-vivid-orange) !important;}.has-luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-vivid-orange-to-vivid-red) !important;}.has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray) !important;}.has-cool-to-warm-spectrum-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--cool-to-warm-spectrum) !important;}.has-blush-light-purple-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-light-purple) !important;}.has-blush-bordeaux-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--blush-bordeaux) !important;}.has-luminous-dusk-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--luminous-dusk) !important;}.has-pale-ocean-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--pale-ocean) !important;}.has-electric-grass-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--electric-grass) !important;}.has-midnight-gradient-background{background: var(--wp--preset--gradient--midnight) !important;}.has-small-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--small) !important;}.has-medium-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--medium) !important;}.has-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--large) !important;}.has-x-large-font-size{font-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--x-large) !important;} :where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-flex){gap: 1.25em;}:where(.wp-block-post-template.is-layout-grid){gap: 1.25em;} :where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-flex){gap: 2em;}:where(.wp-block-columns.is-layout-grid){gap: 2em;} :root :where(.wp-block-pullquote){font-size: 1.5em;line-height: 1.6;} </style> <link rel='stylesheet' id='tm-app-css' href='https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/styles/app.css?ver=1729003449' media='all' /> <style> body.page-id-2189 #site-safety, body.page-id-2189 #site-modal { display: none; } </style><script src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/plugins/google-analytics-premium/assets/js/frontend-gtag.min.js?ver=8.27.0" id="monsterinsights-frontend-script-js"></script> <script data-cfasync="false" data-wpfc-render="false" id='monsterinsights-frontend-script-js-extra'>var monsterinsights_frontend = {"js_events_tracking":"true","download_extensions":"doc,pdf,ppt,zip,xls,docx,pptx,xlsx","inbound_paths":"[{\"path\":\"\\\/go\\\/\",\"label\":\"affiliate\"},{\"path\":\"\\\/recommend\\\/\",\"label\":\"affiliate\"}]","home_url":"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org","hash_tracking":"false","v4_id":"G-Q03F376XPR"};</script> <script src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery.min.js?ver=3.7.1" id="jquery-core-js"></script> <script src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-includes/js/jquery/jquery-migrate.min.js?ver=3.4.1" id="jquery-migrate-js"></script> <link rel="https://api.w.org/" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-json/" /><link rel="alternate" title="JSON" type="application/json" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/541" /><link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="https://www.thehotline.org/xmlrpc.php?rsd" /> <link rel='shortlink' href='https://www.thehotline.org/?p=541' /> <link rel="alternate" title="oEmbed (JSON)" type="application/json+oembed" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehotline.org%2Fidentify-abuse%2Fwhy-do-people-abuse%2F" /> <link rel="alternate" title="oEmbed (XML)" type="text/xml+oembed" href="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-json/oembed/1.0/embed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehotline.org%2Fidentify-abuse%2Fwhy-do-people-abuse%2F&format=xml" /> </head> <body class="page-template-default page page-id-541 page-child parent-pageid-515 -s:ndvh">  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-WQZBBNW" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <div class="root1"> <div class="root1-wrap"> <header class="top1" id="top"> <div class="top1-wrap -contain"> <span class="logo1"> <a href="https://www.thehotline.org" accesskey="h" aria-label="The Hotline"> <img src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/images/logo-ndvh.svg" alt="The Hotline" title="The Hotline"> </a> </span> <nav class="skips1" aria-label="Skip Links"> <ul> <li><a href="#nav" title="Skip to navigation" accesskey="n">Skip to navigation [n]</a></li> <li><a href="#content" title="Skip to content" accesskey="c">Skip to content [c]</a></li> <li><a href="#footer" title="Skip to footer" accesskey="f">Skip to footer [f]</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 class="top1-toggler"><a href="#" id="main-nav" toggle="body/is-nav-active" class="icon-hamburger" aria-label="Menu"><span>Menu</span></a></h2> <nav class="nav1" id="nav" aria-labelledby="main-nav"> <div class="nav1-overlay" toggle="body/is-nav-active/-"></div> <div class="nav1-wrap"> <i class="nav1-close icon-close" toggle="body/is-nav-active/-"></i> <p class="nav1-lang"> <a href="https://espanol.thehotline.org/" target="" class="">En Español </a> </p> <ul class="nav1-items nav1-main"> <li> <a class=" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/"> Get Help </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/what-is-a-safety-plan/">What is a Safety Plan?</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-local-resources/">Local Resources</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/healthcare-and-abuse/">Healthcare, IPV, and Health Centers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-legal-help/">Legal Help</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/domestic-violence-deaf-services/">Deaf Services</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/native-american-domestic-violence/">Native American Services</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a class=" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page current-page-ancestor current-menu-ancestor current-menu-parent current-page-parent current_page_parent current_page_ancestor -active" href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/"> Identify Abuse </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/understand-relationship-abuse/">Understand Relationship Abuse</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/">Warning Signs of Abuse</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/">Power and Control</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/why-do-people-abuse/">Why People Abuse</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/abuse-in-specific-communities/">Abuse and Cultural Context</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a class=" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/"> Plan for Safety </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/">Interactive Safety Plan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/internet-safety/">Internet Safety</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/supporting-your-children/">Supporting Your Children</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/pet-safety-during-domestic-violence/">Pet Safety</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a class=" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/"> Support Others </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/talk-about-abuse/">Start a Conversation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/ways-to-support-a-domestic-violence-survivor/">Ways to Support</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/why-people-stay-in-an-abusive-relationship/">Why People Stay</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/help-for-abusive-behaviors/">Help for Abusive Partners</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="-search"><a href="#search" aria-label="Search" toggle="#search//+"><i class="icon-search"></i></a></li> </ul> <ul class="nav1-items nav1-side"> <li> <a class=" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/search-our-resources/"> Search Our Resources </a> </li> <li> <a class=" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type_archive menu-item-object-news" href="https://www.thehotline.org/news/"> News </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/media-room/">Media Room</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a class=" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/about/"> About </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/about/history-of-the-hotline/">History</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/about/25-years-of-the-hotline/">25 Years of The Hotline</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/about/board-of-directors/">Board of Directors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/about/strategic-plan/">Strategic Plan</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/about/partners-and-sponsors/">Partners and Sponsors</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a class="-special menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/"> For Stakeholders </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-awareness-month/">Domestic Violence Awareness Month</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/">Domestic Violence Statistics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/download-and-request-materials/">Download and Request Materials</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/impact-and-state-reports/">Impact and State Reports</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/policies/">Learn About Policies and Legislation</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a class="-special menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-involved/"> Get Involved </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/take-action/">Action Center</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/careers/">Careers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-involved/donate-electronics/">Donate Your Old Electronics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/national-conference-on-domestic-violence/">National Conference on<br>Domestic Violence</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/donate/other-ways-to-give/store-closed/">Shop</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-involved/speakers-bureau/">Speakers Bureau</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/membership/">The Hotline’s Member Community</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <a class="-special -donate menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page" href="https://www.thehotline.org/donate/"> Donate </a><i class="nav1-toggler icon-angle-down" toggle="^li/-open"></i> <ul class="nav1-drop" heightwatch> <li><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/donate/other-ways-to-give/">Other Ways to Give</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> </header> <form action="https://www.thehotline.org" method="get" class="search2" id="search"> <div class="search2-overlay" toggle="^.search2//-"></div> <div class="search2-outer"> <div class="search2-inner -contain -xw:2"> <p class="search2-fields"> <label for="f285182" invisible>Search</label> <input type="text" name="s" id="f285182" placeholder="Search" /> <button type="submit"><i class="icon-search"><span>Search</span></i></button> <a href="#" toggle="^.search2//-" class="search2-close"><i class="icon-close" toggle="^.search2//-"><span class="sr-only">Close</i></a> </p> </div> </div> </form> <div class="exit1" x-data="exit1()" x-init="init()" role="navigation" aria-label="exit"> <p class="exit1-wrap"><a href="./" @click.prevent="$dispatch('exit')" style="margin-top: -139px;"><i class="icon-close-thick"></i> <span>exit</span></a></p> </div> <div class="safety2" data-safety="1000" data-id="1" role="region" id="site-safety" aria-labelledby="safety2-title"> <div class="safety2-wrap"> <h3 id="safety2-title" class="safety2-title">Leave this site safely</h3> <div class="safety2-main -t:9"> <p><strong>You can quickly leave this website by clicking the “X” in the top right or by pressing the Escape key twice.</strong></p> <p>To browse this site safely, be sure to regularly clear your browser history.</p> </div> <p class="safety2-action"><a href="#" class="button1 -small" toggle="^.safety2//-" x-data="quickookie()" x-init="cookie_name='safety'" @click="set()"><span>Got it</span></a></p> </div> </div> <div class="modal1" data-modal="500" data-id="1" id="site-modal"> <div class="modal1-overlay"></div> <div class="modal1-outer"> <div class="modal1-wrap"> <div class="safety1"> <h2>Security Alert</h2> <p>Internet usage can be monitored and is impossible to erase completely. If you’re concerned your internet usage might be monitored, call us at 800.799.SAFE (7233). <strong><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/internet-safety/">Learn more about digital security</a></strong> and remember to clear your browser history after visiting this website.</p> <p><strong>Click the red “X” in the upper-right corner or “Escape” button on your keyboard twice at any time to leave TheHotline.org immediately.</strong></p> <p class="safety1-action"><a href="#" class="button1 -small" toggle="^.modal1//-" x-data="quickookie()" x-init="cookie_name='modal'" @click="set()"><span>OK</span></a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <section role="main" class="content1" id="content" data-warning="Your browser is outdated, it will not render this page properly, please upgrade."> <div class="wrap1"> <div class="wrap1-inner -contain"> <div class="header4"> <div class="header4-main"> <h1 class="title1" reveal="1+/0"> Why People Abuse <span>Abuse is never okay. Learn why people abuse.</span> </h1> </div> <figure class="header4-image" reveal="1+/1"> <span class="img1 " style="--r: 0.8" > <img class="lazyload" data-src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1198758362-hotline-700x560-1.png" alt="two people sitting together on the couch" data-srcset="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1198758362-hotline-700x560-1.png 700w, https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1198758362-hotline-700x560-1-500x400.png 500w" data-sizes="auto" /> <i class="loader1 "></i> <noscript><img src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1198758362-hotline-700x560-1.png" alt="two people sitting together on the couch"></noscript> </span> <figcaption class="sr-only">two people sitting together on the couch</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> <div class="-xw:4 -contain -mx:a -wysiwyg"><p>Domestic violence stems from a desire to gain and maintain <strong><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/">power and control</a></strong> over an intimate partner. Abusive people believe they have the right to control and restrict their partner’s lives. This is often because they believe their own feelings and needs should be prioritized in the relationship or because they enjoy exerting the power that such abuse gives them.</p> <p>Tactics of abuse (in any form) are aimed at dismantling equality in the relationship in order to make their partners feel less valuable and undeserving of respect.</p> </div> <div class="callout1 -my:2 -xw:4 -mx:a" reveal="1/"> <blockquote class="callout1-wrap -cs:1 -t:4"> <q><p>Remember that everyone deserves to have a healthy, loving, and respectful relationship—no matter what.</p> </q> </blockquote> </div> <div class="-xw:4 -contain -mx:a -wysiwyg"><h3>Why people abuse</h3> <p>Abuse is a learned behavior. Some people <a href="https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/childhood-trauma-is-no-excuse-for-abusive-behavior/">witness it in their own families</a> growing up. Others learn it slowly from friends, popular culture, or structural inequities throughout our society. No matter where they develop such behaviors, those who commit abusive acts choose to do so — they also could choose not to.</p> <p>Many people experience or witness abuse and use their experiences to end the cycle of violence. They also take steps to heal themselves without harming others. While outside factors (including drug or alcohol addiction) can escalate abuse, it’s important to recognize that these issues do not cause domestic violence.</p> <h3>Who does abuse affect?</h3> <p>Anyone can be abusive, and anyone can be the victim of abuse. Abuse happens regardless of gender, age, sexuality, race, economic status, ability, citizenship status, or any other factor or identity. Feelings of confusion, fear, or anger are normal responses to abuse. Additionally, abuse may make you feel isolated or like no one will understand. Remember that <strong><a href="https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/">expert advocates from The Hotline are available 24/7</a>.</strong> They can talk through your situation and help you build a safety plan tailored to your circumstances.</p> <p>Being abusive is a decision: it’s a strategic behavior by your partner to create their desired power dynamic.</p> </div> <div class="-recontain -xw:2 -my:2" reveal="1/"> <h2 class="title1 -t:12 "> Regardless of the circumstances of your relationship or past, <span>no one ever deserves to be abused and you’re never responsible for your partner’s abusive actions.</span> </h2> </div> <div class="-xw:4 -contain -mx:a -wysiwyg"><p>Domestic violence can also strain the people who witness, intervene, or recognize the tragic realities of relationship abuse. It can be painful and draining — physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially — to watch the people in our lives abuse or be abused. In that regard, we are all impacted by any and all forms of abuse. This means it’s on each of us to take steps in our daily interactions to end and prevent future abusive behavior.</p> </div><div class="-mb:0"> <div class="wrap1 -c:b3 -noimage"> <div class="wrap1-inner -contain"> <div class="header3"> <div class="header3-wrap"> <p class="iconed2" reveal="1/"> <i class="icon-"></i> <span></span> </p> </div> </div> <div class="split2 -p:r"> <div class="split2-main" reveal="1/" aligned> <div class="card5"> <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/why-people-stay-in-an-abusive-relationship/" class="card5-wrap"> <figure class="card5-image" > <span class="img1 " style="--r: 0.555555555556" > <img class="lazyload" data-src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1006452982-hotline-1260x700-1.png" alt="" data-srcset="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1006452982-hotline-1260x700-1.png 1260w, https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1006452982-hotline-1260x700-1-1000x556.png 1000w, https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1006452982-hotline-1260x700-1-500x278.png 500w" data-sizes="auto" /> <i class="loader1 "></i> <noscript><img src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/media/2020/09/1006452982-hotline-1260x700-1.png" alt=""></noscript> </span> <figcaption class="sr-only"></figcaption> </figure> <div class="card5-main"> <h3 class="card5-title -t:4">Learn why people stay</h3> <p class="card5-icon"><i class="icon-arrow-right"></i></p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="split2-side" reveal="1/" aligned> <div class="quote1"> <figure class="quote1-icon"> <span class="img1 -fit -right" style="--r: 0.80952380952381"> <img class="lazyload" data-src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/temp/icon-quote.svg" alt="a quote mark icon" /> <i class="loader1"></i> <noscript><img src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/temp/icon-quote.svg" alt="a quote mark icon"></noscript> </span> <figcaption class="sr-only">a quote mark icon</figcaption> </figure> <blockquote> <q><p>Beyond the physical risks of leaving an abusive relationship, there are countless other reasons why people stay in their relationships. Survivors deserve to be supported in their decision-making and empowered to reclaim control over their own lives—no matter the circumstances.</p> </q> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> <div class="resource1 -noimage"> <nav class="subnav1" aria-labelledby="subnav1-label" reveal="1/" x-data="{open: false}" :class="{'-open': open}" data-loadswitch="541"> <h3 id="subnav1-label" class="subnav1-label -t:3">Show me</h3> <div class="subnav1-main" @click.away="open=false"> <p class="subnav1-select -t:3" clickable @click="open=!open"><span>all resources about abuse</span> <i class="icon-angle-down"></i></p> <div class="subnav1-drop" heightwatch> <ul> <li class="-hide"><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="11">all resources about abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="19">all resources about abuse in specific communities</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="36">all resources about digital abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="90">all resources about disability</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="32">all resources about emotional abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="62">all resources about excuses</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="34">all resources about financial abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="37">all resources about gaslighting</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="42">all resources about hiv</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="80">all resources about identity theft</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="55">all resources about immigrants</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="73">all resources about men</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="76">all resources about mental illness</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="88">all resources about mutual abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="33">all resources about physical abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="41">all resources about polyamory</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="43">all resources about pop culture</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="15">all resources about power & control</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="60">all resources about pregnancy</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="57">all resources about red flags</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="59">all resources about repetitive abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="35">all resources about sexual abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="66">all resources about sexual coercion</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="81">all resources about spiritual abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="44">all resources about stalking</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="85">all resources about strangulation</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="79">all resources about substance abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="72">all resources about suicide</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="71">all resources about threats</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="16">all resources about types of abuse</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="17">all resources about warning signs</a></li> <li><a @click="open=!open" href="" data-topic="18">all resources about why people abuse</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </nav> <div class="stream1" data-loadmore2="541"> <div class="stream1-entries -gg:1" g1 data-entries> <div class="stream1-entry" w="24/12//" data-entry reveal="1/" aligned> <div class="card2"> <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/resources/three-ways-to-support-domestic-violence-survivors/" class="card2-wrap"> <div class="card2-main"> <h3 class="card2-title -t:4">Holding Space: Three Ways to Support Domestic Violence Survivors</h3> <p class="card2-icon"><i class="icon-arrow-right"></i></p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="stream1-entry" w="24/12//" data-entry reveal="1/" aligned> <div class="card2"> <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/resources/i-dont-know-about-you-but-lately-im-feeling-violated/" class="card2-wrap"> <div class="card2-main"> <h3 class="card2-title -t:4">I Don’t Know About You … But Lately I’m Feeling Violated</h3> <p class="card2-icon"><i class="icon-arrow-right"></i></p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="stream1-entry" w="24/12//" data-entry reveal="1/" aligned> <div class="card2"> <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/resources/domestic-abuse-transgender-non-binary-survivors/" class="card2-wrap"> <div class="card2-main"> <h3 class="card2-title -t:4">Domestic abuse and its impact on transgender</h3> <p class="card2-icon"><i class="icon-arrow-right"></i></p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <div class="stream1-entry" w="24/12//" data-entry reveal="1/" aligned> <div class="card2"> <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/resources/your-credit-score-could-save-your-life/" class="card2-wrap"> <div class="card2-main"> <h3 class="card2-title -t:4">Your Credit Score Could Save Your Life</h3> <p class="card2-icon"><i class="icon-arrow-right"></i></p> </div> </a> </div> </div> <p class="stream1-more" reveal="1/"> <a data-topic="11" data-page="2" class="button1 -circle" data-more><i class="icon-plus"></i> <span>more</span></a> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <footer class="footer1" id="footer" role="contentinfo"> <div class="footer1-wrap -contain -cs:1 -t:10"> <div class="footer1-main"> <div class="footer1-block"> <h4 class="footer1-subtitle">Contact</h4> <address>National Domestic Violence Hotline<br /> PO Box 90249<br /> Austin, Texas 78709<br /> Administrative Line: 737-225-3150</address> </div> <div class="footer1-block"> <h4 class="footer1-subtitle">Follow</h4> <div class="socials1"> <ul class="socials1-items" g2> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline/" class="icon-facebook" aria-label="Share on Facebook"><span>Facebook</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://instagram.com/NDVHofficial/" class="icon-instagram" aria-label="Share on Instagram"><span>Instagram</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/NDVH/" class="icon-twitter-x" aria-label="Share on X"><span>X</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NDVHotline/" class="icon-youtube" aria-label="Share on YouTube"><span>YouTube</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="footer1-block -copys -as:3"> <p>The Hotline<span class="trademark" style="font-size: 25px; vertical-align: -webkit-baseline-middle;">®</span><br /> National Domestic Violence Hotline</p> <p><a href="/privacy-policy">Privacy Policy</a></p> </div> </div> <div class="footer1-fine"> <div class="footer1-half"> <p>This project was supported by Grant Number 90EV0459 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.</p> <p>Exempted from federal income tax under the provisions of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.</p> </div> <div class="footer1-half"> <p>This Web site is funded through Grant 2020-V3-GX-0135 from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided.</p> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <div role="region" aria-label="Services" class="cta1 -active"> <ul class="cta1-wrap"> <li> <a href="tel:1.800.799.7233" class="cta1-line" id="call-bar"> <span class="button1 -circle"><i class="icon-call"></i></span> <span>Call<span class="cta1-trim"> 1.800.799.SAFE <small>(7233)</small></span></span> </a> </li> <li> <span class="cta1-line"> <a href="#" id="thl-messaging-btn-bar" class="button1"> <i class="icon-chat"></i> <span>Chat <span class="cta1-trim">live now</span></span> </a> </span> </li> <li> <a href="sms:88788?&body=START" class="cta1-line" id="text-bar"> <span class="button1 -circle"><i class="icon-text"></i></span> <span>Text <span class="cta1-trim">"START" to 88788 </span><p style="font-size:10px;"><em>Visit our page for Privacy Policy. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to opt out.</em></p></span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <script> document.documentElement.style.setProperty('--vw', document.documentElement.clientWidth * 0.01 + 'px'); document.documentElement.style.setProperty('--vh', window.innerHeight * 0.01 + 'px'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> /* MonsterInsights Scroll Tracking */ if ( typeof(jQuery) !== 'undefined' ) { jQuery( document ).ready(function(){ function monsterinsights_scroll_tracking_load() { if ( ( typeof(__gaTracker) !== 'undefined' && __gaTracker && __gaTracker.hasOwnProperty( "loaded" ) && __gaTracker.loaded == true ) || ( typeof(__gtagTracker) !== 'undefined' && __gtagTracker ) ) { (function(factory) { factory(jQuery); }(function($) { /* Scroll Depth */ "use strict"; var defaults = { percentage: true }; var $window = $(window), cache = [], scrollEventBound = false, lastPixelDepth = 0; /* * Plugin */ $.scrollDepth = function(options) { var startTime = +new Date(); options = $.extend({}, defaults, options); /* * Functions */ function sendEvent(action, label, scrollDistance, timing) { if ( 'undefined' === typeof MonsterInsightsObject || 'undefined' === typeof MonsterInsightsObject.sendEvent ) { return; } var paramName = action.toLowerCase(); var fieldsArray = { send_to: 'G-Q03F376XPR', non_interaction: true }; fieldsArray[paramName] = label; if (arguments.length > 3) { fieldsArray.scroll_timing = timing MonsterInsightsObject.sendEvent('event', 'scroll_depth', fieldsArray); } else { MonsterInsightsObject.sendEvent('event', 'scroll_depth', fieldsArray); } } function calculateMarks(docHeight) { return { '25%' : parseInt(docHeight * 0.25, 10), '50%' : parseInt(docHeight * 0.50, 10), '75%' : parseInt(docHeight * 0.75, 10), /* Cushion to trigger 100% event in iOS */ '100%': docHeight - 5 }; } function checkMarks(marks, scrollDistance, timing) { /* Check each active mark */ $.each(marks, function(key, val) { if ( $.inArray(key, cache) === -1 && scrollDistance >= val ) { sendEvent('Percentage', key, scrollDistance, timing); cache.push(key); } }); } function rounded(scrollDistance) { /* Returns String */ return (Math.floor(scrollDistance/250) * 250).toString(); } function init() { bindScrollDepth(); } /* * Public Methods */ /* Reset Scroll Depth with the originally initialized options */ $.scrollDepth.reset = function() { cache = []; lastPixelDepth = 0; $window.off('scroll.scrollDepth'); bindScrollDepth(); }; /* Add DOM elements to be tracked */ $.scrollDepth.addElements = function(elems) { if (typeof elems == "undefined" || !$.isArray(elems)) { return; } $.merge(options.elements, elems); /* If scroll event has been unbound from window, rebind */ if (!scrollEventBound) { bindScrollDepth(); } }; /* Remove DOM elements currently tracked */ $.scrollDepth.removeElements = function(elems) { if (typeof elems == "undefined" || !$.isArray(elems)) { return; } $.each(elems, function(index, elem) { var inElementsArray = $.inArray(elem, options.elements); var inCacheArray = $.inArray(elem, cache); if (inElementsArray != -1) { options.elements.splice(inElementsArray, 1); } if (inCacheArray != -1) { cache.splice(inCacheArray, 1); } }); }; /* * Throttle function borrowed from: * Underscore.js 1.5.2 * http://underscorejs.org * (c) 2009-2013 Jeremy Ashkenas, DocumentCloud and Investigative Reporters & Editors * Underscore may be freely distributed under the MIT license. */ function throttle(func, wait) { var context, args, result; var timeout = null; var previous = 0; var later = function() { previous = new Date; timeout = null; result = func.apply(context, args); }; return function() { var now = new Date; if (!previous) previous = now; var remaining = wait - (now - previous); context = this; args = arguments; if (remaining <= 0) { clearTimeout(timeout); timeout = null; previous = now; result = func.apply(context, args); } else if (!timeout) { timeout = setTimeout(later, remaining); } return result; }; } /* * Scroll Event */ function bindScrollDepth() { scrollEventBound = true; $window.on('scroll.scrollDepth', throttle(function() { /* * We calculate document and window height on each scroll event to * account for dynamic DOM changes. */ var docHeight = $(document).height(), winHeight = window.innerHeight ? window.innerHeight : $window.height(), scrollDistance = $window.scrollTop() + winHeight, /* Recalculate percentage marks */ marks = calculateMarks(docHeight), /* Timing */ timing = +new Date - startTime; checkMarks(marks, scrollDistance, timing); }, 500)); } init(); }; /* UMD export */ return $.scrollDepth; })); jQuery.scrollDepth(); } else { setTimeout(monsterinsights_scroll_tracking_load, 200); } } monsterinsights_scroll_tracking_load(); }); } /* End MonsterInsights Scroll Tracking */ </script><script src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/scripts/libs.js?ver=1706069857" id="tm-extras-js"></script> <script id="tm-scripts-js-extra"> var tmscripts = {"ajax_url":"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; </script> <script src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/scripts/app.js?ver=1729003449" id="tm-scripts-js"></script> <script src="https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/themes/hotline-main/assets/scripts/lottie.js?ver=1706069857" id="tm-lottie-js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://chat.thehotline.us/p/24-11/thl-messaging.js?key=02699376-4775-49f4-73f0-328e315075e" charset="utf-8" thl-chat defer></script></body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Why Do People Abuse | The National Domestic Violence Hotline