Fresno County, California

HOME. It's supposed to be a place where innocence is nurtured and protected. Where children are held, hugged and assured. Where they learn the meaning of love and respect. Where they feel safe. Tragically, thousands of children in Fresno are learning something entirely different. They are learning hate. They are seeing shattered emotions and bodies, shattered dreams. Over and over again. They are learningVIOLENCE.

**Youth**Visit the kNOw MORE Teen Website!!

**Fresno Resources**View the DVRT's Resource Directory

Marjaree Mason Center

• Volunteer Speakers' Bureau
• kNOw MORE Peer Education Program
• 1997-2003 Accomplishments 
• Fact Sheet 
• What you can do to get involved?
• Links to Information and Services
• Domestic Violence RoundTable

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to maintain power and control over another person. It is abuse by ones intimate partner or ex-partner. It can be:

• Emotional - name-calling, threats, intimidation, isolation from friends and family, withholding money or other materials.
• Physical - pushing, slapping, punching, kicking, choking, burning, use of weapons or objects.
• Sexual - unwanted touching, false accusations, sexual put-downs rape. (forced sex even if married)
• Destruction of Property - personal belongings, harm to pets.

Victims report that:

• Over time the abuse occurs more often and usually becomes more violent.
• Abuse increases during pregnancy; especially first time, unplanned pregnancies.

Experts report that:

• Although both men and women are victims of domestic violence, the vast majority of the victims are women.
• The abuser's need for power and control is present in almost every abusive relationship.
• Abuse happens to many people, rich and poor, educated and uneducated.
• The abuse usually does not stop unless help is received.
• Victims are not at fault. They are not responsible for their partner's actions.

The Cycle of Violence

The cycle of violence happens in three stages:

• Tension Building - where the abuser becomes increasingly agitated.
• Abusive - where the abuser releases his/her anger through some sort of abuse.
• Honeymoon/Hook - where the abuser tries to make up with the victim with promises or gifts.

Over time the cycle reduces to tension/abuse and the violence usually grows more serious.

Abuse is never the victim's fault!

Get help for you and your family!

Call the Moms and Kids' Hotline for confidential referrals:

Moms and Kids' Toll-Free Hotline