Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors in which a person tries to control the thoughts, beliefs, conduct or actions of his or her partner.
Domestic violence (also called relationship violence or intimate partner violence) takes many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and/or economic abuse. Violence usually occurs in a cycle which often escalates in frequency and intensity over time. Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, economic status, or age. And it happens right here in Hampshire County. Each year, Safe Passage answers over 2,000 calls on our hotline, supports more than 250 women through our counseling and legal programs, and houses at least 35 women and 55 children in our shelter program.