Family Violence...

affects everyone -- children, parents, spouses, grandparents. Too often victims do not seek help or don't know where to turn. Various national agencies maintain hotlines that can provide information on local shelters and other resources.

What is family violence?

It's the mistreatment of one family member by another and can take different forms.

• Physical abuse -- for example, slapping, punching, choking or throwing things
  
  
• emotional abuse -- yelling, making insults or threats, etc.
  
  
• sexual abuse -- such as unwanted touching, incest or rape
  
  
• neglect -- withholding affection, money, food, health care or other needed care

Any family member can be the victim of abuse. a child -- child abuse one partner by another partner -- partner abuse an older family member -- elder abuse

Family violence is never OK. In many cases, it's a serious crime. Family violence hurts the whole family.

Victims may suffer:

• serious injuries -- even death stress
  
  
• related physical problems including headaches, stomache aches, diarrhea and bed wetting
  
  
• mental-health problems such as depression, loss of self-esteem, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness
  
  
• problems at school or work, including loss of income,
  
  
• discipline problems and trouble getting along with others

Abusers may experience:

• legal trouble
  
  
• fines and jail time
  
  
• loss of family and friends
  
  
• problems at work, including loss of job
  
  
• more violent relationships, unless they are willing to admit they have a problem and seek help

Witnesses of abuse suffer, too.

Children who witness violence also experience great stress. They may in turn abuse their brothers or sisters --- or later their own families.