DOMESTIC ABUSE COMES IN MANY FORMS – DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO FALLS INTO ANY OF THESE CATEGORIES???
Part Two of a Two Part Series Sexual abuse occurs when the abuser coerces or attempts to coerce the victim into having sexual contact or sexual behavior without the victim’s consent.
Stalking can include following the victim, spying, watching, harassing, showing up at the victims home or work, sending gifts, collecting information, making phone calls, leaving written messages, or appearing at a person's home or workplace. These acts individually are typically legal, but any of these behaviors done continuously results in stalking as a crime.
Threats to hit, injure, or use a weapon are a form of psychological abuse.
Cyberstalking refers to online action or repeated emailing or texting that inflicts substantial emotional distress in the recipient. The definition of domestic violence recognizes that victims can be spouses, family members, children, cohabitants, or sexual/dating/intimate partners.
If you or someone you know is being abused, seek help. In an emergency, please dial 911. For all other help, please call: Illinois Statewide Domestic Violence Helpline 877 TO END DV (877-863-6338), 877-863-6339 TTY or call WINGS 24-hour hotline 847-221-5680.