Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

The hotline is answered by trained counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is confidential. Staff can provide support, education and safety planning. Multiple languages available.

Wichita Resources

Harbor House Wichita Family Crisis Center Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence, also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse, is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. DV relationships may include current or former spouses, dating partners, girlfriends/boyfriends, fiancees, and individuals with a child in common.

Types of crimes that are charged in Domestic Violence

Domestic Battery
May include hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, scratching, biting, strangling, hair pulling, grabbing, spitting, or hitting victim with an object.
Damage to Property
Unlawful Restraint
Preventing a victim or witness from making a report
Violation of a protection from abuse order
Harassing by phone

Risk Factors

Increasing severity or frequency of physical violence
Access to firearm
Use or threats to use a weapon against you
Threatens to harm or kill you or loved ones
Uses drugs or excessive use of alcohol
Leaves you threatening notes, spies on you, calls you to check up on you
Controls your daily activities
Has harmed you when you are pregnant
Threatens to commit suicide
Has forced you to have sex
You are leaving or recently left an abusive relationship

Warning Signs

Extreme jealousy
Insults, shames or demeans you
Controls the household money, does not let you get a job or go to school
Acts in ways that scare you
Destroys your property
Threatens to harm you, your family, your children or others around you
Controls who you see, where you go, what you do

Strangulation (Choking)

Has your partner put their hands on your neck or throat? Strangulation is very dangerous. When the body is deprived of oxygen, loss of consciousness will result, and continued, ultimately death. Loss of consciousness may happen within seconds and death within minutes. If you have been choked or strangled, you should seek medical attention.