People of any race, age, gender, sexuality, religion, education level, or economic status can be a victim — or perpetrator — of domestic violence.

Domestice violence includes physical, emotional, financial and other forms of abuse that one person uses to establish and maintain power and control over another person in a current or former intimate relationship. 

The trauma of relationship violence can take a toll on the development of children, make it difficult for survivors to regain control of their lives, and is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.