Support for Survivors
ABOUT CRIME & ABUSE
Abuse affects us all, and we all must be part of the solution. If you or someone you know needs support, contact our REACH Center 24 hour helpline at 518.943.4482. You are not alone.
Abuse affects us all
Everyone Knows Someone.
24 People per minute.
That's how many individuals fall victim to rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. Every minute of every day.
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1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience this abuse — it's more than 12 million women and men in a single year. Everyone knows someone affected — a family member, a neighbor, a coworker, a friend.
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Abuse affects us all, and we all must be part of the solution.
We're here for you
Safety & Supports
REACH Center 24 Hour Support Helpline
(518) 943-4482
Call our REACH Center helpline anytime, 24 hours a day. Trained staff provide crisis counseling and support services.
Learn more about violence & abuse
Signs & Types of Abuse
Recognizing the signs
Types of Abuse
Abuse stems from a desire to gain and maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abusive people believe they have the right to control and restrict their partner's lives, often either because they believe their own feelings and needs should be the priority in the relationship, or because they enjoy exerting the power that such abuse gives them.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is one of the most easily identified types of abuse. It involves the use of physical violence, or threats of it, to maintain power over an individual. Because of this, survivors are afraid and uncertain when more abuse will occur. This often reinforces the regular use of other, more subtle, types of abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes non-physical behaviors that are meant to control, isolate, or frighten someone. These behaviors are often more subtle and hard to identify but are just as serious as other types of abuse.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is when a partner controls the physical and sexual intimacy in a relationship. This often involves acting in a way that is non-consensual and forced.
Financial Abuse
Financial or economic abuse occurs when an abusive partner extends their power and control into your financial situation. Some examples include:
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Providing an allowance and closely monitoring how you spend it, including demanding receipts for purchases.
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Depositing your paycheck into an account you can't access.
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Preventing you from viewing or accessing bank accounts.
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Stopping you from working, limiting the hours you can work, getting you fired, or forcing you to work certain types of jobs.
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Maxing out your credit cards without permission, not paying credit card bills, or otherwise harming your credit score.
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Stealing money from you, your family, or friends.
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Living in your home but refusing to work or contribute to the household.
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Refusing to provide money for necessary or shared expenses like food, clothing, transportation, medical care, or medicine.
Sextortion / Technology-facilitated Abuse
Sextortion, online abuse, or technology-facilitated abuse, is the use of technology, imaged-based sexual abuse, surveillance, and online spaces (e.g. social media) to bully, harass, stalk, intimidate, or control a partner. This behavior is often a form of verbal or emotional abuse conducted online.
Stalking
Stalking occurs when someone watches, follows, or harasses you repeatedly, making you feel afraid or unsafe, and may occur from someone you know, a past partner, or a stranger. This can include different types of abuse.
Recognizing the signs
Identifying Abuse
Abuse stems from a desire to gain and maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abusive people believe they have the right to control and restrict their partner's lives, often either because they believe their own feelings and needs should be the priority in the relationship, or because they enjoy exerting the power that such abuse gives them.
Common Signs of Abusive Behavior
One or two of these behaviors in a relationship can be a red flag that abuse may be present. Our advocates are available 24/7 to discuss your situation and identify available options to help ensure your safety.
Telling you that you never do anything right.
Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you're not comfortable with.
Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
Insulting your parents or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
Destroying your belongings or your home.
