Domestic Violence: One Incident Is Enough
When many people hear the term domestic violence, they imagine years of repeated abuse or countless violent episodes. However, the truth is that domestic violence does not need to occur repeatedly over time to be harmful or to qualify as abuse. Even one single episode can cause deep, lasting impacts on a victim’s emotional, physical, and psychological well-being — and it should never be overlooked, minimized, or excused.
Understanding the many forms domestic violence can take is essential for recognizing it early and providing appropriate support to those affected. Abuse isn’t always visible, and it doesn’t always leave physical marks. It can take several forms:
Physical Violence
Physical violence is perhaps the most commonly recognized form of domestic abuse. It involves any intentional act meant to cause physical harm to a partner. This can include:
- Hitting
- Kicking
- Slapping
- Pushing
- Grabbing
- Using objects or weapons to cause injury
Even one occurrence of physical violence is serious and dangerous. Physical abuse often escalates over time and can lead to life-threatening injuries.
Sexual Violence
Sexual violence is another form of abuse that includes forcing or attempting to force a partner into sexual acts without their consent. Importantly, this extends beyond physical acts and can also include non-physical behaviors, such as:
- Coercing or pressuring someone into sexual activity
- Unwanted sexual touching
- Sexting or sending sexual content without consent
- Sexual harassment
Consent must always be clear, informed, and enthusiastic. If a partner is coerced, manipulated, threatened, or incapacitated (due to drugs, alcohol, or other circumstances), any sexual activity is considered non-consensual — and therefore abusive.
Psychological Aggression
Not all abuse leaves bruises. Psychological aggression uses words, tone, and behavior to:
- Erode a person’s self-esteem
- Create feelings of fear, shame, or guilt
- Control or dominate the partner emotionally and mentally
Examples include:
- Insults and name-calling
- Gaslighting (making someone doubt their reality)
- Threats of harm
- Isolation from family, friends, or resources
- Constant criticism
Psychological abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects, leading to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health issues.
Stalking
Stalking is a form of abuse that involves persistent, unwanted attention or contact that causes fear or concern for safety. Stalking behaviors can include:
- Repeated phone calls, texts, or messages
- Showing up uninvited at home, work, or school
- Monitoring a partner’s activities through technology
- Sending unwanted gifts, letters, or emails
- Making threats, either explicit or implied
Stalking may seem less “serious” to some, but it can escalate quickly and is often a precursor to other forms of violence.
Every Act of Abuse Matters
Domestic violence is serious — no matter how many times it happens.
Minimizing, dismissing, or rationalizing an abusive incident not only invalidates the survivor’s experience but also places them at greater risk for future harm.
Whether it happens once or repeatedly, abuse signals an imbalance of power and control that is harmful and unacceptable in any relationship. Survivors deserve support, safety, and healing without having to “prove” the severity of their experiences through repeated suffering.
At Elizabeth’s Village, we believe that every person deserves to live free from violence and fear. We are here to provide a safe place, resources, and hope for those impacted by domestic violence — no matter how big or small the incident may seem.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of abuse, you are not alone. Help is available.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
Or text “START” to 88788
(Available 24/7, confidential, and free)
If you are local and in need of support, Elizabeth’s Village is here to help. Please contact us to learn more about our services or find immediate support.
